THE POLICE watchdog has concluded its investigation surrounding the death of a Southampton teenager who drowned in the River Itchen.
Hampshire Constabulary was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), following the death of Marcel Wochna.
The 15-year-old was seen jumping into the water near Cobden Bridge last November, his body was found days later at Smiths Quay in Woolston.
Police had been in the area following reports of criminal damage being caused at Cobden Marine Court.
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The IOPC has now confirmed that “all officers” who had prior contact with the teenager, who was last seen on the bridge by police, have been “treated as witnesses” during the investigation.
A full report will be published “at the earliest opportunity”.
“We can confirm that all lines of enquiry have been completed for our investigation into Hampshire Constabulary’s prior contact with Marcel Wochna, whose body was later found in the River Itchen on November 9, 2021,” explained a spokesperson.
"We have examined the actions and decisions of Hampshire Constabulary in relation to their contact with Marcel and their subsequent response to the concern for his welfare.
"We are close to finalising our report and will conclude decision making around that at the earliest opportunity.
"All officers involved have been treated as witnesses during our investigation, which began following a referral from Hampshire Constabulary on November 8.”
A full inquest into Marcel’s death will be held on June 21 this year at Winchester Coroner’s Court.
This follows the inquest opening by area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp back in November, which gave more detail on the police response to the reports of criminal damage.
The hearing was told that Marcel, of Northcote Road, had “jumped into the water and began to swim to the centre of the river”.
His home address was searched but he was not there and an extensive search operation was launched.
The coroner has requested reports from Hampshire police, the IOPC, next of kin, GP and the Coastguard.
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