Met Police apologises to Ed Cornes' family over investigation failings
The force announced earlier this week (29/6) that specialist officers are reassessing the original investigation
Last updated 1st Jul 2026
The Metropolitan Police has apologised to the family of 19-year-old Ed Cornes.
The force announced earlier this week (29/6) that specialist officers are reassessing the original investigation - and are appealing for any additional witness information.
It follows an ITV News investigation that scrutinised the handling of his death.
Ed, who was gay, tragically died just two days into his first term at University College London in October 2021.
He was found in a basement room of a hotel in King’s Cross, central London, mere minutes from his student halls.
According to the inquest into Ed's death, he left his halls in the early hours and encountered two men he did not know.
The inquest revealed Ed was found with dozens of injuries and had high levels of the drug GHB in his system.
The men who were present with Ed were arrested on suspicion of murder but were released without any charges.
Ed's mother, Miriam, lodged numerous complaints with the Metropolitan Police and the watchdog responsible for police conduct after an internal review found 27 investigation failings.
Despite making an apology, the force had earlier defended the investigation, claiming Ed's death had been properly scrutinised and all enquiry avenues explored.
'We apologise for the pain caused to Edward's family'
A Met spokesperson said: “We apologise for the pain caused to Edward’s family through the handling of our investigation. We acknowledge that aspects of the initial investigation were not handled correctly and did not meet the high standards we expect.
“We have since met with Edward’s family to apologise in person and recognise the distress our actions have caused.
“Specialist officers are now reviewing the original investigation into Edward’s death and surrounding circumstances to determine if there are any possible further lines of enquiry.
"We remain in contact with the family and will continue to keep them updated as our work progresses.
“If you have any information relating to this case, please email us at [email protected]. Anonymous reports can be submitted to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.”