DORSET Police has apologised for failing to protect murdered Katrina O'Hara.

Ms O’Hara was stabbed to death in a barbershop in East Street, Blandford Forum, on January 7, 2016, by her ex-partner Stuart Thomas, also known as George Thomas.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 26 years in August 2016.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has conducted an investigation into the way Dorset Police handled prior incidents leading up to the murder.

IOPC operations manager Graham Beesley said: "Our investigation identified serious concerns with the service provided to Ms O’Hara.

"On a number of occasions when she contacted Dorset Police, officers failed to take appropriate action in a timely manner and did not take her specific needs and vulnerabilities into account.

"We also found instances where police did not properly consider the seriousness of non-violent risk factors, including the escalating nature of the incidents between Ms O’Hara and Stuart Thomas in the months leading up to her murder."

An acting sergeant and detective constable have been disciplined for misconduct, and a detective inspector and police constable for 'unsatisfactory performance', receiving warning letters and 'management advice'.

The watchdog found officers were in contact with Ms O’Hara and Thomas on a number of occasions before she was killed, following an initial report of a physical altercation between them on November 10, 2015.

On December 30, 2015, following an incident four days previously in which Thomas reportedly threatened to kill both himself and Ms O’Hara, he was arrested, interviewed and released on bail.

Ms O’Hara was in further contact with police reporting potential breaches of bail conditions on January 1 and 4, 2016.

Investigators expressed particular concern that Ms O’Hara was left without a means of communication after her phone was taken by police on December 30, 2015, as they investigated alleged harassment by Thomas.

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said the force had "taken careful account" of the recommendations and introduced new policies, including providing a replacement mobile phone to those deemed at risk of harm if theirs is seized, or otherwise lost or damaged.

"Our thoughts very much remain with Katrina’s family and friends," he said.

"Thankfully terrible cases such as this are very rare.

"We would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything in our power to minimise the chance of this happening again.

"It has highlighted many improvements to our response to domestic abuse and we are truly sorry for any previous failings in our processes.

"We will continue to work together with our partners to ensure a joined-up approach to safeguarding vulnerable victims."

The National Police Chiefs Council has written to all Chief Constables across the country with a series of recommendations arising from the case.

It was recommended that Dorset Police should:

• Clarify their procedures for dealing with breaches of police bail.

• Revise their policy and training for call handlers for non-emergency calls made to the 999 emergency number, where risk may still be evident.

• Ensure that people at risk of domestic violence who have their phones retained are provided the means to contact police or family if they need to.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or if you know someone who is, there are many organisations that can help.

Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit dorsetforyou.com/dvahelp for a list of local and national organisations that can help.

In an emergency, if a crime is in progress or life is in danger, call 999.

For further information visit dorset.police.uk/da