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Viktorija Sokolova: Investigation launched into police response before 14-year-old’s death

An investigation has been launched into West Midlands Police's response to a missing person report linked to tragic teenager Viktorija Sokolova.

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Viktorija, aged 14, was reported missing by a family member the evening before her body was found in West Park, Wolverhampton at about 7am last Thursday.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been accused of murdering and raping the schoolgirl.

People have been coming to the park to pay their respects

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has now begun an investigation into how the force handled the missing persons case.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: “Viktorija’s family have my deepest sympathy following their terrible loss.

"Our investigation will focus on how police responded to the missing person report, rather than how Viktorija died.

Dozens of tributes have been left at the entrance of West Park which reopened to the public yesterday

"We will keep the family and the force regularly updated.

“As is widely known, the force is separately conducting a criminal investigation and a teenage boy has appeared in court charged in connection with that.

"Therefore it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this time.”

It comes as West Park reopened to the public yesterday, one week after teenager was found dead.

Cards, teddy bears and flowers have been left on the fence around the park.

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