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The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is widening its investigation to look at how Bijan Ebrahimi was treated by Avon and Somerset police over a number of years as well as by individual officers in the run up to his murder in July 2013.

The IPCC is investigating reports of earlier police contact with Mr Ebrahimi going back over a number of years, and examining how incidents were dealt with, and any police interaction with other agencies. This widening of the investigation means that it is vital to bring together issues around historic contact and the events in the days leading up to Mr Ebrahimi’s murder. Both parts of the investigation will report together.

Initially the IPCC had thought both parts of the investigation could be dealt with separately but it has become apparent that it is in the interests of the family, the community, the wider public and the police itself for the two aspects of the investigation to be dealt with together – as one will inform the other.

The IPCC’s independent investigation into police contact with Mr Ebrahimi between 11 -14 July remains ongoing. Between September and November 2013 three police constables were criminally interviewed by the IPCC. They were all interviewed under criminal caution for the potential offence of misconduct in a public office. These three officers are the two police constables who attended Capgrave Crescent on the evening of 11 July, and another constable who was made aware of issues regarding Mr Ebrahimi the following day.

IPCC investigators have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the Capgrave Crescent area and have taken statements from members of the public. Witness statements have been taken from other police officers and a healthcare nurse, and calls made to Avon and Somerset Police by Mr Ebrahimi have been transcribed. Investigators have reviewed CCTV evidence from the custody suite at Broadbury Road Police Station. The IPCC has also liaised with a number of local agencies including Bristol City Council to consider relevant documentation around housing and anti-social behaviour (ASB). We are taking into account force and national policies on ASB, hate crime, and dealing with vulnerable people.

Having widened the lines of enquiry the next steps for the IPCC will be to embark on a renewed witness appeal later this month. Of particular interest is Mr Ebrahimi’s arrest for breach of the peace on 11 July 2013.

IPCC Commissioner Jan Williams said: "As our investigation continues and as we uncover evidence surrounding the behaviour of the officers in their dealings with Mr Ebrahimi it remains vital that we get to the truth of what happened.As well as interviewing individual officers the evidence has dictated that we must look at the force’s policy and approach to these sorts of incidents and complaints and any potential organisational failings that Avon and Somerset need to deal with. Of course this takes us time but it is imperative for the public, for public confidence and for the Ebrahimi family that we do a thorough investigation and leave no stone unturned.

"I know that the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset is keen to expedite matters as soon as possible, both in terms of the individual officers concerned and in restoring the confidence of the wider community. We are looking at ways of addressing the allegations relating to specific officers without any further delay. My priority is to ensure a thorough and effective investigation that benefits the family, the wider public, the community and the police."We hope that a witness appeal later this month will assist us further.

"We continue to talk to Mr Ebrahimi’s family and update them on progress in the investigation. I am acutely aware of the difficult time they continue to go through. I have assured them we are carrying out a thorough and robust independent inquiry into police contact and that we are doing so as swiftly as we can.”