AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into Dorset Police's handling of a rape allegation made by teenager Gaia Pope-Sutherland almost two years before she was found dead.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct will look into the force's response to the allegation.

Miss Pope-Sutherland, 19, was found dead on November 18 last year, 11 days after she was reported missing from Swanage by a family member.

Her body was found in undergrowth close to Swanage coastal path and a post mortem examination revealed she died of hypothermia.

Hundreds of people took part in searches while she was missing and three people were arrested on suspicion of murder but later released without charge. Police have since said there they don't believe there was any third party involvement in her death.

The new investigation follows a referral from Dorset Police after Miss Pope-Sutherland’s family made a complaint in May about the force’s handling of the rape allegation Miss Pope-Sutherland made in December 2015.

Catrin Evans, the IOPC Director with responsibility for Dorset Police, said: “After initial investigation, in June 2016 Dorset Police made the decision to take no further action in respect of a rape allegation made by Gaia.

“Following complaints made by her family, we will investigate whether the police response was in accordance with local and national policies and guidance in relation to the investigation of rape cases, including Crown Prosecution Service referral and charging criteria.

“My thoughts continue to be with Gaia’s family and everyone affected by her death.”

The first investigation, which began in April, is focussed on Dorset Police’s handling of the missing person report made in respect of Miss Pope-Sutherland. This investigation is ongoing and the IOPC is keeping in close contact with Dorset Police, Dorset Coroner Rachael Griffin and Dorset Police.

Superintendent Pete Windle, Head of Professional Standards at Dorset Police, said: “In May 2018 we received a complaint from the family of Gaia Pope in respect of our handling of a report of rape Gaia made in December 2015.

“Following receipt of this complaint we have referred ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as the mandatory referral criteria was met.

“As a result of this, the IOPC is now conducting an independent investigation into the Force’s response in relation to the rape allegation

“The IOPC independent investigation into the Force’s response when dealing with the missing person report made in respect of Gaia Pope remains ongoing. 

“An inquest into Gaia’s death has also been opened and HM Coroner is currently conducting her investigation. Because of those factors and foremost being mindful of the impact these processes have on Gaia’s family following her tragic death, it would not be appropriate at this time for the Force to comment further.

"Dorset Police is cooperating fully with the IOPC and HM Coroner and is supplying any information as requested by them. The Force remains committed to improving its service to the communities of Dorset and should there be any learning following either investigation then this will be acted upon.”