THE family of a vulnerable young man murdered in an attack which may have been preventable say their “greatest wish” is that no one else is failed in the same way.

As reported, police and care workers were criticised in a damning report following the death of Phillip Nicholson. Mr Nicholson, who was 22, was killed at a flat in Sea Road, Boscombe in May 2015. He lived in sheltered accommodation in Parkstone.

In a report published by the Poole Community Safety Partnership and the Bournemouth and Poole Safeguarding Adults Board, it was said Mr Nicholson’s murder may have been preventable had various agencies acted differently.

His family published a statement after the report was released. It reads: “Following Phillip’s death, it soon became evident that professional agencies including Borough of Poole social services and Dorset Police had received significant information regarding threats to Phillip’s life made by his assailants before they killed him.

“As a result, we have striven to find answers to why this tragedy occurred and how the professional organisations tasked with Phillip’s care should have intervened to protect Phillip.”

The family said the investigation has been a “long and harrowing process”.

“Sadly, it has become evident throughout these investigations that significant failings and omissions were made by those organisations involved in Phillip’s care,” the family said.

“The report highlights numerous shortcomings in Phillip’s protection and care.”

They said “nothing can return Phillip” to them, but they remain dedicated to finding the truth.

“We hope that lessons have been learnt by all organisations since Phillip’s death, which is now four years ago. It is our greatest wish that no other family whose child, whether a vulnerable adult or a minor, should be let down by those professionals required to care for him or her,” the statement reads.

“Our battle for justice for Phillip continues with a civil action against Dorset Police and Borough of Poole.

“We hope that once that final course of action is concluded that we will be able to have some closure on this matter and further be able to say that we have, throughout all the investigations and inquiries, obtained justice for Phillip.”

Mr Nicholson had a learning disability. Richard Moors and Isabella Gossling were jailed for life for his murder.