Independent Office for Police Conduct to receive report into death of Ollerton man who was missing for over 9 weeks

An investigation report into the death of a father who was missing for more than nine weeks is set to be received by a police watchdog.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) told South Yorkshire Police in February to investigate after the force referred itself following the death of Ollerton man Lee Bowman who was missing for more than nine weeks.

Police said Lee, 44, was alive and well on December 6 last year before his body was discovered on January 4 in the Thurcroft area of Rotherham.

The local investigation by the police force is to establish whether there were any missed opportunities to locate him sooner, said the IOPC.

An IOPC spokesman said: “Our thoughts go out to all Lee Bowman’s family and friends following his tragic death. Our sympathy remains with them.

“After considering the available information in this case, we determined that an investigation into the operation to find Mr Bowman, and whether he might have been located sooner, was required.

"We directed the force to carry out this to ensure all aspects of their investigation were carried out thoroughly and will receive a copy of the investigator’s final report, which ensures an appropriate level of independent scrutiny of the matter.

“We receive more than 4,000 referrals a year, all of which are carefully assessed to determine the most suitable way for them to be dealt with.”

Lee was reported missing on October 31, 2021, and was last seen in Rotherham on that date.

He mostly lived in Ollerton and is last known to have been staying at a hostel.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "The matter has been referred to our Professional Standards Department and the investigation is currently ongoing. We cannot make any further comment at this time until that has happened."