Watchdog investigating previous police contact with assault victim in Swindon
The 69-year-old woman suffered serious injuries at a house in the Highworth area of the town in August
The police watchdog are investigating previous police contact with a woman who was seriously assaulted in Swindon.
The 69-year-old woman suffered knife and hammer injuries during the attack at a property in Highworth on 4 August.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said in a statement today (9 September) that it was independently investigating after Wiltshire Police referred itself to them due to previous police contact with the victim.
Gary Rogers, 70, of Downs View, Highworth has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Swindon Crown Court on the 23 October.
The IOPC said they have established officers from Wiltshire Police went to an address on 15 July in response to a "welfare concern raised by a third party", and again on 2 August after reports a man visiting the address had been assaulted.
It added that it's investigation will look at how police responded to the incidents as well as the actions and decision-making of officers and staff involved, plus any welfare considerations for the woman.
IOPC Director of Engagement, Derrick Campbell, said: “This was a shocking attack in which the woman suffered multiple serious injuries. I wish her well as she continues her recovery.
“Having established at least two recent occasions where there had been direct contact between police and the victim, we deemed it was right to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances and the police response.
“Our investigation will consider if there were opportunities to potentially have safeguarded the woman and prevent her coming to harm. We will work through our enquiries diligently and as quickly as possible."