Police Complaints Commission investigates alleged cement mixer murder

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will question police officers over an investigation into a suspected cement mixer murder in 2002, after receiving 109 complaints about the case.

Sixteen police officers will be served with Regulation 9 notices by the IPCC over the original investigation into the death of Lee Balkwell in Upminster on 18 July, 2002.

Lee was crushed to death between the drum and chassis of his cement mixer lorry.

His father Les has long claimed Lee was murdered, however earlier this year an inquest jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing.

An IPCC spokesman said a senior investigator would review how the police handled the original investigation.

The audit-type study was sparked by a dossier put together by Les, detailing 109 complaints against police investigations into Lee's death.

The spokesman said the IPCC was likely to release a full report to the public in due course.

"Obviously there is high public interest so that would suggest we will likely produce a report in some form with the findings," he said.

"There are a lot of complaints, however, and time must be allowed for this review."