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Listeners may find the content of this interview distressing.

Paul Scott and his wife Alaina said so many chances were missed by the authorities, to save the life of their grandson Alfie Steele, who was killed in Droitwich in 2021.

A Â鶹ԼÅÄ investigation found that more than 60 calls were made to police and social services before nine-year-old Alfie was killed by his mum and her partner. A safeguarding report highlighted a catalogue of missed opportunities by professionals.

Freedom of Information requests by the Â鶹ԼÅÄ discovered Worcestershire County Council was contacted 36 times between 2018 and 2020 by people who were concerned about Alfie's welfare.

The Â鶹ԼÅÄ's Nicola Goodwin reports.

"Whilst the investigation and trial were ongoing, the immediate learning from both this case and other child safeguarding practice reviews has resulted in a change of safeguarding practices and activities," said Stephen Eccleston, the partnership's independent chair.

West Mercia Police's Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones said an initial review into the force's involvement with the family had resulted in "enhanced training" for officers and staff "to ensure they fully understand the signs of vulnerability, that they are professionally curious and don't take information on face value."

The force referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its involvement.

An IOPC spokesperson said the review was ongoing but had not identified any conduct issues for any officers involved at this stage.

"We are looking at the force's response to concerns about Alfie's welfare and we have so far examined a large number of documents including police logs, witness statements and relevant policies, along with body worn video."

If you need support due to issues raised in this story, help is available via Â鶹ԼÅÄ Action Line.

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