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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Caroline Flack's mum speaks out after Met Police apology following star's death

Caroline Flack's mum has said she rejects the Met Police's apology following the death of her daughter.

The Love Island star tragically took her own life in 2020 while facing prosecution for assaulting her then boyfriend, Lewis Burton.

The Met was criticised for the way they handled the case and has since apologised for not recording the reason why the Love Island star had been charged.

However, Christine Flack says she does not accept that apology.

Following her daughter's arrest, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initially decided the presenter receive a caution - a decision that was appealed by a senior Met officer and resulted in Caroline facing a charge of assault by beating.

A coroner later ruled the star killed herself because she knew she was facing prosecution and feared the media attention surrounding her trial.

The Love Island star tragically took her own life in 2020 (ITV/Shutterstock)

Following Caroline's death, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) carried out a review of the Met's decision to charge the presenter. The review "did not identify any misconduct" by the Met.

Speaking to Victoria Derbyshire on BBC's Newsnight, Christine Flack said: "It just seems wrong. They haven't said why there were no notes taken, why nothing was recorded. I don't know whether they're covering something."

When asked if she thought her daughter would still be alive if Caroline had just been cautioned, Christine said: "I do, I really do."

"Once all the pictures came out in the newspapers and things were written about her on social media - they just picked up the bad," she said. "There was a lot of good, but Caroline wasn't reading the good - she was only reading the bad."

She added: "She lost her job straight away, without even being found guilty or going to court. She had another series axed."

The Met told the BBC the arrest had been handled appropriately. A spokesman said: "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Ms Flack's family for their loss and we are sorry for the impact this has had on them.

Caroline is missed by so many (AFP via Getty Images)

"When a person is arrested they can be held in custody for a period of up to 24 hours to allow officers time to gather evidence and investigate the alleged offence.

"A review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct did not identify any misconduct in relation to the handling of Ms Flack's arrest, however, it concluded that an officer involved in the investigation should receive reflective practice."

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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