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Dowler Police Cleared Over Giving Journalists Details

Monday 6th February 2012

The Police Watchdog says there's "no evidence" to suggest a Surrey Police officer gave information to journalists during the investigation into the disappearance of Milly Dowler in 2002.

milly dowlerThe 13-year-old went missing in 2002 - her body was discovered later that year.

The IPCC began an investigation in August last year after the force received information from three newspaper journalists that they were going to publish the allegations.

Three newspapers had threatened to print a story suggesting the officer may have been paid to provide information to journalists during Operation Ruby.

Mike Franklin, IPCC Commissioner, said today: "It appears from this investigation that unsubstantiated information, perhaps not surprisingly, quickly gained currency in a climate where the relationships between the police and the media are under intense public scrutiny.

"A police officer was criminally interviewed and remained under suspicion for some months, as our investigators sought to establish the facts. We have provided Surrey Police with our report and indicated we see no need for further action."

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