Manchester: Police force refers itself to watchdog following death of 16-year-old

A police force has referred itself to the watchdog following the death of a teenager.

Greater Manchester Police made the referral because of contact with 16-year-old Rhamero West before his death, a spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

The catering student, from south Manchester, was discovered in Old Trafford on September 9 with a number of stab wounds and later died in hospital.

Another 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with his murder.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We have received a referral from Greater Manchester Police due to the fact officers had contact with a 16-year-old boy prior to his death.

“The referral is currently being assessed to determine what further action may be required from us.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said the incident had been referred to the IOPC in line with normal procedure.

Rhamero, known as Mero, was killed after he attended his first day at college.

Paying tribute, his devastated family described him as a “beautiful soul”.