South Yorkshire Police directed to investigate after missing Ollerton man found dead in Rotherham

A police force has been directed to carry out an investigation following the death of a man who was reported missing.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has made the direction to South Yorkshire Police after the force referred itself following the death of Ollerton man Lee Bowman who was missing for more than nine weeks.

The IOPC told the Advertiser a local investigation by the police force would establish whether there were any missed opportunities to locate him sooner.

44-year-old Lee was reported missing on October 31 and was last seen in Rotherham on that date.

He mostly lived in Ollerton and is last known to have been staying at a hostel.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed in early January that officers had found a body in relation to the search for Lee in Thurcroft, Rotherham.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We received a referral from South Yorkshire Police following the death of Lee Bowman, who had been reported missing in the weeks prior to him being found by officers.

“After assessing the available information, we have directed the force to carry out a local investigation to establish whether there were any missed opportunities to locate him sooner.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Bowman’s family and all those affected by his death.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "The matter has been referred to our Professional Standards Department and the investigation is currently ongoing.

"We are currently awaiting the coroner’s file. When this file has been received then an investigation will begin into its findings.

"We cannot make any further comment at this time until that has happened."