The police watchdog may investigate the Metropolitan Police after the force revealed offices had previously spoken to missing student nurse, Owami Davies.
The 24-year-old was was last seen on July 7, in Derby Road, Croydon after leaving her family home in Grays, Essex.
She was reported missing by her family on July 6. On Saturday, the Met Police revealed officers had spoken to Ms Davies on the day she was reported missing after being called to an address in Clarendon Road, Croydon.
Police officers and the ambulance service attended and spoke to Ms Davies who told them she did not require help.
Despite being reported missing, she was not marked as a missing person on the police database and was only later established to be Ms Davies during the investigation to find her.
The officers in question are not under investigation but the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) was consulted before the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) requested the matter be referred to them.
The IOPC is currently reviewing and receiving further information from the Met, and is yet to make a decision as to whether it will investigate the matter as it stands.
In a statement, Scotland Yard said: “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 said in a statement: “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.”
On Thursday, the British Transport Police released a statement claiming that Ms Davies may stil be using the rail network but in a “vulnerable or confused state”.
CCTV released last week showed her in a dark jacket, a red Adidas T-shirt, and light grey joggers at 12.30pm walking north on London Road away from West Croydon towards Norbury.
Officers working on the investigation have retrieved some 50,000 hours of footage that will need to be trawled through.
Ms Davies was nearing the end of her studies and had secured a job with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.
She had worked in A&E during the Covid-19 pandemic and was interested in doing research on diseases.
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4622.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
