Damilola inquiries to be launched

Met Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens today ordered a review into the police handling of the 14-year-old "star witness" in the Damilola Taylor case.

The Crown Prosecution Service will also have its role in prosecuting the case reviewed by the Attorney-General.

Sir John said that lessons needed to be learned. He said: "The lack of justice for Mr and Mrs Taylor, their family and friends is a matter of deep regret. After consultation with the Home Secretary, the chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority and the Mayor of London I have invited the Bishop of Stepney, John Sentamu, to chair an oversight panel."

Other members of the panel will be David Blakey, Inspector of Policing, and Perry Nove, the retiring Commissioner of the City of London Police. Sir John expects the review to be completed by mid-summer.

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