HAMPSHIRE police were guilty of "a catalogue of basic failings" in the run up to the brutal murder of Jamie Dack, it was revealed today.

Eight police officers and one member of police staff had a case to answer for misconduct, an independent investigation has found.

It surrounds how Hampshire Constabulary reacted to a serious assault on the 22-year-old in which he was knocked unconscious in the Aldi car park in Portswood, Southampton, on March 21 last year.

The investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) also looked at how he force progressed a missing persons report concerning Jamie made on Good Friday last year - two days before his body was found in a burning bin in Empress Road, Southampton.

On Wednesday this week Jamie's killers Lee Nicholls, Ryan Woodmansey, Andrew Dwyer-Skeats and Donna Chalk were jailed of a tol of 121 years for the brutal torture and murder.

They were told by a judge who handed them life sentences that they may never be free unless they can convince a parole board they are safe to be let out.

The IPCC today confirmed that their investigation found eight officers and the police staff member had a case to answer for misconduct.

They were two inspectors, four sergeants, two police constables and a member of police staff.

According to the organisation all of them have now received "management advice" following action by Hampshire police who are also taking further action against a PC who will be subject to a misconduct hearing.

Jamie was reported missing on Friday April 6 last year after the alarm was raised by an acquaintance of Nicholls.

Police have previously said that an active missing persons enquiry was nd era and Jamie was classed as medium risk.

IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said: "Jamie’s family have had to listen to harrowing details of his murder and once again my thoughts and sympathies are with them at this truly difficult time.

"Our investigation identified a catalogue of basic failings by Hampshire Constabulary in their dealing with Jamie as a victim of crime and also when he was reported missing just two days before his body was discovered.

"Hampshire Constabulary has already taken action in response to the issues highlighted in our report.”

Detective Superintendent Colin Smith, head of Hampshire Constabulary's professional standards department, said: “We acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Complaints Commission with regard to an allegation that Jamie Dack had been assaulted in the weeks before his body was discovered and the actions of police officers following a report that Jamie was missing.

“As a result of the IPCC's findings, two officers and one member of police staff have been given management advice because of the less than prompt or effective inquires carried out in relation to the assault against Jamie. A further officer will appear at a misconduct meeting for the same reason.

“Regarding the failure to properly assess the risk associated with Jamie’s disappearance, two officers have received management advice; a further four are still to receive it. It is accepted, however, that sadly Jamie had already been killed before offices were made aware that he was missing.

“We take any investigations which highlight areas where we have not delivered the best service very seriously. We will always strive to improve our standards where failings or shortfalls have been identified.

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Jamie’s family who have been present in court and sat throughout the harrowing details of the case.”