The Metropolitan Police is under investigation over its handling of the death of 19-year-old student Edward Cornes, who was found in a hotel room in London’s King’s Cross in 2021.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is examining multiple complaints related to the case, including alleged shortcomings in the initial investigation, the conduct of the inquest and communication with Cornes’ family.
Cornes had recently begun his studies near University College London when he died at a nearby hotel. A post-mortem later found drugs, including GHB and methamphetamine, in his system, and his death was ruled drug-related.
Two men who were present at the time were arrested, but no charges were brought after police determined the death was non-suspicious.
However, the case has come under renewed scrutiny following claims that investigators failed to follow key lines of inquiry and lost potential evidence, including CCTV footage and forensic material.
Cornes’ family have also raised concerns about the way the case was handled, alleging that homophobic attitudes influenced aspects of both the investigation and the inquest, including how the teenager was characterised.
They say they hope the IOPC investigation will provide long-awaited answers and accountability, while also addressing broader concerns about how LGBTQ+ victims are treated within the criminal justice system.
