The police watchdog found there was no evidence that officers were to blame for Marcel Wochna's death, despite an inquest jury finding a lack of action from them probably contributed to his drowning. 

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found no evidence to suggest Marcel's death can be attributed to the actions of any of the officers involved. 

The IOPC's findings are in stark contrast to those of the inquest jury who found Marcel's death "was contributed to by neglect".

During the seven-day inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court, jurors heard the 15-year-old jumped into the River Itchen from Cobden Marina to evade arrest.

The two officers at the scene "had an inadequate knowledge of the working near water policy", the jury found.

The IOPC's investigation was concluded in April last year but was only published today.

The watchdog said it will review whether there is any evidence which came out during the inquest which may affect the outcome of its investigation.

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What the IOPC has found

A spokesperson for the IOPC said there was "no indication that any officer had behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings or had committed a criminal offence". 

"We did find that an officer should be reminded of their responsibilities in relation to the use of body worn video as they did not switch it on until after Marcel had entered the water.

"We also found the two responding officers were not instructed not to confer about the incident when they returned to the police station to attend the post-incident procedure.

"We suggested to Hampshire that they should remind senior officers to issue the non-conferring warning at the earliest opportunity to ensure the officers’ own recollection of events is not influenced by the account of others."

Investigators attended the scene of the incident to speak to witnesses, check CCTV and body-worn footage. 

Statements were also obtained from the officers involved, members of the public and Marcel's friend.

Daily Echo: Marcel WochnaMarcel Wochna (Image: Newsquest)

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “Our thoughts remain with Marcel’s family and friends and all those affected by his tragic death.

“We carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death and found the officers involved acted appropriately by swiftly calling for police resources and other agencies to help with a search for Marcel.

“The force correctly classified Marcel as a high-risk missing person and all available resources were assigned to assist in searching and conducting other key lines of enquiry before he was sadly found deceased.

“The officers’ decision not to enter the water was reasonable and in accordance with relevant training, policy, guidance and legislation.

"Hampshire Constabulary policy says officers should not put themselves in danger by attempting a rescue in water which they are not trained or equipped to undertake."