A grief-stricken Northumberland mum says she is still waiting for police to apologise for 'failing' to inform her of her son's death.
Lisa Common tragically lost her son Kyle Haggerty, 24, three months ago when his body was found at Blyth Harbour on October 16. The family does not yet know the circumstances surrounding the death of the much-loved young chef from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
His devastated mum, Lisa, has filed a complaint with Northumbria Police about the way she has been treated throughout the horrendous ordeal and says she was not even told about his death by officers. She claims that police only informed her ex-husband, Trevor Haggerty - Kyle's dad - who was then told to let her know.
READ MORE: Northumberland mum slams police for 'failing' to inform her that her son had been found dead
Speaking to ChronicleLive in November, Lisa said that she'd had received no calls, visits, or messages from police and was left trying to contact the force herself to find out what had happened to her beloved son. The 47-year-old also said she has still not received any bereavement support or guidance from the police about the next steps.
After filing her complaint with the force, Lisa claims that she received a phone call from an investigator dealing with her son's case in response to her complaint but claims she was not treated with any compassion. Now, three months on from the tragedy, Lisa said she is still yet to receive a visit from a police officer or an apology for how the case has been handled.
Lisa, from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, said: "I am waiting for them to say; 'sorry that we didn't do what we were supposed to do. We didn't do our job correctly.'
"It is not going to bring Kyle back but if they can acknowledge that what they have put me through has caused me more stress, more pain, and more anxiety on top of losing my son as well...
"Had someone been helpful, supportive, and kept me in the loop with what was happening, then it might have eased the total anxiety I had. But I feel like I am waiting for that and I am still not getting any answers from them.
"I don't want other families going through this to have the same response from the police. I want the police to acknowledge that they are not doing a good enough job and say that they are not going to let it happen again and that they understand it must be so painful for a family."
Northumbria Police said Lisa's complaint is still being investigated and that she will be informed of the outcome in writing.
However, Lisa believes it shouldn't take so long for the force to investigate. She said an email "update" she received from the force regarding her complaint only confirmed they will be back in touch in 28 days.
"The person investigating my complaint has said that she has to get in touch with all of the police officers that were involved at the time," Lisa said.
"What they are investigating on my part is: 'Did they come and see me? Why wasn't I given a liaison officer? Why wasn't I informed where his body was found?'
"They never did [any of it so] I can't understand why I have to wait 28 days for them to give the investigator the information. They should say that they didn't see Kyle's mam and that is the end of the story."
Lisa has been touched by the support of Kyle's friends and former colleagues at restaurants Dolly Dimples and Caboose in Blyth, who have remembered him as a talented and hard-working young chef.
Dolly Dimples said: "Our memories will be cherished forever and you will always be part of our Dollys family. Rest easy Kyle."
Restaurant, Caboose in Blyth, said: "He was a fantastic, hard-working and dedicated chef.
"He was a great employee. But most of all, he was a solid lovely person.
"So much so, that in the time he was with us, he developed unbelievable lasting friendships and bonds with many of our team, inside and outside of work."
They added: "You have not been here anywhere near long enough, but you should rest knowing that you have had a real impact on many. People thought the absolute world of you, and it has been a genuine pleasure to have played a small part in your story."
The family marked their first Christmas without Kyle by placing a plaque in his memory at Blyth Harbour.
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