The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate how Merseyside Police dealt with allegations of domestic violence prior to a woman’s murder.

Monika Szmecht, 21, was murdered in Mossborough Hall Lane, Rainford, Merseyside on 11 June 2007. She had been stabbed and set alight. He former boyfriend, Anthony Clarke, was found guilty of the murder on 1 May 2008 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Merseyside Police referred concerns surrounding how they had dealt with Ms Szmecht and handled her allegations of domestic violence at the hands of Clarke to the IPCC on 11 December 2007. Mike Franklin, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, decided that an independent investigation should be conducted, but this could not commence until the criminal proceedings against Clarke were completed.

Mr Franklin said: This was a horrifically brutal murder and my condolences go out to Ms Szmecht’s family and friends. It is known that Merseyside Police had been in contact with Ms Szmecht and she had raised concerns about Mr Clarke’s behaviour towards her in the days leading up to her murder. Our investigation will examine whether officers observed the correct policies and procedures and whether Ms Szmecht was afforded sufficient protection.”