Missed Opportunity Leads to Death of Missing Man: Greater Manchester Police Investigation Condemned

John Winterton's body was found in Wythenshawe Park on 25 August 2021, six days after he was reported missing on 19 August.

The IOPC's investigation found that phone data revealing Winterton's location was available on the first day of the investigation, but a delay in accessing specialist support meant that the information was not available to investigating officers until 25 August.

Although the inquest found that Mr Winterton's death was likely to have occurred regardless, the IOPC found that the delay in finding him could have lessened the distress felt by his family.

The IOPC has shared recommendations with GMP about the use of phone data and handling high-risk missing person investigations, and has also shared its findings with Mr Winterton's family and the coroner.