23 January 2024 , 17:12
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Norfolk Police is under investigation by an independent watchdog after officers did not attend an address where a man had "expressed concerns for his own mental state" – just one hour before he, his two daughters and sister-in-law were found dead.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today confirmed Norfolk Constabulary received a call at around 6am on Friday January 19 from the man at a property in Costessey near Norwich. It is believed this was Bartlomiej Kuczynski, 45, whom neighbours say had challenges with his mental health for months.
The caller "expressed concerns for his own mental state saying he was confused" but was advised to seek medical help, and officers did not attend the property. However, just over one hour later Mr Kuczynski, his girls Jasmin, 12, and seven-year-old Downreuang and their aunt were found dead there.
Charmaine Arbouin, IOPC regional director, said: "Norfolk Constabulary established that the man had made a 999 call to the force shortly before 6am on January 19. During that call the man expressed concerns for his own mental state saying he was confused.
"He was advised to seek medical advice and police did not attend. At around 7am the force received a call from a dog walker concerned for the welfare of those within the home. Officers attended shortly after and, tragically, found the man, a woman and two children dead."
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Bartlomiej Kuczynski, pictured with his daughters, had called police just over one hour before he was discovered dead (Facebook)Norfolk Police had conceded last week officers did not attend the address after a call from it at around 6am but the IOPC has now offered fresh detail about the nature of this report.
Ms Arbouin added: “Following a mandatory referral from the force we have decided to investigate and will be examining if the force’s handling of the contact they had with the man was appropriate and in line with force policy, training and procedures. We will be making contact with the families of the deceased to explain our role. Our sympathies are with the families and friends of the deceased and all those affected by this incident.”
The IOPC is now investigating Norfolk Police in the wake of the incident (Getty Images)Chief Constable Paul Sanford said last night the force will be will be "open and transparent" with this investigation, is currently involved in a phased introduction of a scheme called Right Care, Right Person, which is aimed at reducing the amount of time officers spend on mental health-related incidents, it is believed.
Campaigners have warned more people could be left at risk as a result – although Norfolk Police has said officers would still attend incidents where there is believed to be an immediate threat to life.
Father-of-two Mr Kuczynski was taken to hospital for an emergency mental health assessment last month, it also emerged today, but somehow was able to leave the site in Colney, Norfolk, unescorted before it was carried out.