The police watchdog is deliberating whether to investigate Scotland Yard after learning that officers were in contact with KCL student nurse Owami Davies on the day she was reported missing by her family.
Owami Davies, 24, was last seen on 7 July on Derby Road in the south London neighborhood of West Croydon after leaving her home in Grays, Essex three days prior. Her whereabouts are unknown.
Davies was reported missing to Essex Police by her family on 6 July, with the Metropolitan Police taking over her case on 23 July.
On Saturday, however, Scotland Yard disclosed that its officers had spoken to Davies on 6 July. The Met stated that on this day, officers attended an address on Clarendon Road, Croydon in response to concerns over the welfare of a woman. Police accompanied by the London ambulance service spoke to the woman but she said she did not want help and left the property. At the time of the Met’s interaction with Davies, she did not yet appear on the police database as a missing person.
It was during Davies’ missing person investigation that the force determined that the woman police had spoken to on Clarendon Road was her.
According to the Met, its professional standards body was consulted and the force made the decision to not investigate the officers who spoke to Davies. Despite this, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) requested that the matter be referred to them.
Scotland Yard stated: “The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) were consulted and as there has been contact with police, the IOPC were informed.
“The IOPC has requested the matter be referred to them.”
“The officers are not subject to any current investigation by the DPS.
“The interaction recorded on the officers’ body-worn video has been viewed by members of the Independent Advisory Group and Owami’s family to ensure openness and transparency.”
The IOPC stated: “We can confirm that we received a referral on 5 August from the Metropolitan police service in relation to contact officers had with Owami Davies in Croydon on 6 July, after she had been reported missing to Essex police.
“We are currently assessing the available information to determine what further action may be required.”
The Met has made a new appeal for information concerning Davies’ whereabouts, noting that she could be in Croydon and “in need of help”.
On Thursday, British Transport Police tweeted that it is possible Davies is frequently using public transport, stating: “We know Owami Davies, 24, regularly uses the rail and tube network to travel from Grays, Essex to the Croydon area. Often via West Ham and West Croydon stations. metpoliceuk are looking at dates from 7th July 2022 onwards.”
“Owami may still be regularly travelling by rail in a vulnerable state, appearing dazed or confused and possibly seeking to engage with other lone female travellers.”
As always, we at Roar urge anyone with any information on the disappearance or whereabouts of Owami Davies, do not hesitate to contact police on 020 8721 4622 or to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
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