‘No organisational learning’ for Leicestershire Police after death of teacher on M1
The police watchdog has identified 'no organisational learning' for Leicestershire Police [1]after 999 handlers failed to act on pleas for help before a teacher died on the M1[2].
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found failures by three handlers across two forces before vulnerable maths teacher Shafiqul Haidhar[3], 39, died in August 2023.
Mr Haidhar, a father-of-four from Barking in East London, died after walking into traffic near Lutterworth following a crash on the motorway in which he had deliberately steered his car[4] into the central reservation. Advertisement Advertisement
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His brother made a series of 999 calls [5]warning that he was vulnerable and had previously tried to take his own life, but his concerns were not properly acted upon.
A newly published IOPC report, released on Wednesday, March 11, officially cleared the underlying systems and policies of both Leicestershire Police [6]and the Metropolitan Police.
This conclusion comes despite a coroner ruling late last year[7] that "missed opportunities" by both a mental health trust and police call handlers may have altered the outcome for Mr Haidhar.
The coroner concluded Mr Haidhar died 'as a result of deliberately walking into traffic' -Credit:GettyImages
The IOPC investigation found that a Leicestershire Police [8]call handler did not create a log of the brother's call, did not explore his mental health concerns, and no officers were sent to the scene. Advertisement
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Mr Haidhar stepped into a lane on the motorway [9]around half an hour later and was struck by a vehicle.
The call handler was found to have a case to answer for misconduct for failing to carry out their work diligently.
A misconduct meeting concluded in April 2025 with the staff member found to have breached professional behaviour standards and given a 12-month written warning.
Two Metropolitan Police call handlers were also found to have performed below the expected standard, both giving incorrect explanations of the process for "out-of-area" calls.
The IOPC recommended that their performance be addressed through management action.
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The case is the latest in a series of incidents in which Leicestershire Police [10]staff have failed to follow fundamental procedures.
These include failures prior to the death of Bhim Kohli[11] in Braunstone Town, and failures regarding Valdo Calocane[12] prior to the Nottingham attacks.
LeicestershireLive put this directly to the force and asked what steps the force is taking to ensure reporting systems are consistently used to prevent these failures from recurring.
The force did not address the wider cases, the repeated failure to follow established policies, or the steps being taken to prevent recurrence in its response. Advertisement Advertisement
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Instead, a Leicestershire Police[13] spokesperson said: "The Independent Office for Police Conduct make their findings independently, but they do seek the views of Leicestershire Police when coming to conclusions and making recommendations.
"The IOPC are the decision maker in any independent investigation, and where learning is identified the force will ensure this is adopted.
"In this case, the IOPC determined an individual would be referred to a misconduct meeting. This was carried out and they received a written warning for 12 months.
There was no organisational learning identified by the IOPC for Leicestershire Police to consider or action.
"However, it is a matter of importance to us that we are open to learning and are always working to ensure correct working practices are in place and are followed. Advertisement Advertisement
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"Staff and officers undertake regular training in line with their roles, with support and guidance from trainers and supervisors. This is across force systems, along with force policies, national guidance and decision-making models.
"Call handlers - one of which was the focus of the misconduct meeting in this case - are trained to recognise vulnerability and to prioritise those most at risk and ensure the right response at the right time.
Where we identify areas for improvement, staff receive support, refresher training, or enhanced supervision to maintain high standards of service to the public."
If you are experiencing mental health difficulties, the Samaritans is available 24/7 on 116 123, or by email at [email protected][14].
References
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ teacher died on the M1 (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Shafiqul Haidhar (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ deliberately steered his car (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ series of 999 calls (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ coroner ruling late last year (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ stepped into a lane on the motorway (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ failures prior to the death of Bhim Kohli (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ failures regarding Valdo Calocane (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ [email protected] (uk.news.yahoo.com)