AN investigation has been launched into Dorset Police's contact with Sharon Perrett prior to her death.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an inquiry following a mandatory referral from the force due to its contact with Miss Perrett prior to her death.

The 37-year-old was found dead at her home in Christchurch on Sunday, August 26.

IOPC regional director Catrin Evans said: “My thoughts are with Miss Perrett’s family and friends at this difficult time.

"We have made contact with her family and will keep them updated as the investigation progresses.

"Our investigators will be examining the nature of the police contact with Miss Perrett and whether Dorset Police followed local and national policies and guidance.

"As widely reported, Dorset Police are conducting a separate murder investigation and it is therefore inappropriate to comment further."

Police were called to reports of a casualty in Park Gardens, Somerford, at around 2.45am. Miss Perrett was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination has indicated the cause of her death as blunt force trauma to her head, neck and chest.

Her partner Daniel O’Malley-Keyes, 38, has been charged with murder and appeared at Winchester Crown Court on September 27 where he entered a not guilty plea.

He was remanded in custody until a trial on February 11, 2019.

Prosecutors allege O’Malley-Keyes murdered Ms Perrett between August 24 and 27.

Investigators believe Ms Perrett may have been out drinking in Christchurch on the evening before she died. Anyone who saw a woman in her 30s outside Lloyds Bank in Southbourne Grove between 8pm and 10pm on Saturday evening is asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference 26:57.

An event giving family and friends an opportunity to commemorate Miss Perrett's life took place on September 16 at Highcross Church. In a statement, her family said: “She’d light up the room with her beaming smile and outgoing personality.”