A mum who was allegedly failed by the same cops currently facing scrutiny for its handling of the Nicola Bulley case left a suicide note saying "I hope my life saves another".
Kiena Dawes, 23, was reported missing just hours before she was hit by a train and pronounced dead at the scene last July.
Following her death, her family claimed she had been the victim of abuse which caused her to take her own life, and claimed she was "let down" by Lancashire Police.
She was classed as "high risk" - the same as Nicola - when she was first reported missing in her hometown of Fleetwood, Lancashire.
She was found five hours later, and her family claimed they feel repeatedly let down by the police.
The Sun reported how the young mum left a note on her phone at a friend's house that begged: “I hope my life saves another by police services acting faster.”
Lancashire Police confirmed a man had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting Miss Dawes, days before her death.
The man was released on bail pending further enquiries and no charges were brought against him.
Her heartbroken family claimed Miss Dawes had been living in fear and had repeatedly sought the help of police in the weeks leading up to her death.
They revealed shocking photos showing her looking bloodied and bruised following an alleged assault that happened after police had fitted panic alarms in her home.
Kiena's older brother Kynan told The Sun: "They let down Kiena in life — and failed her in her last moments.
“She felt the police weren’t doing anything to help her despite countless reports of domestic violence.
“Her attacker was constantly bailed and she ended up with nowhere to turn. She lost hope."
He added: "That was the longest five hours of my life but poor Nicola Bulley’s family had to wait three weeks. That’s brutal.”
At the time of her death, he said: "The police have let my sister down, they have. She wanted to go through the legal route to get justice.
"The girl is dead now, but it should have gone to CPS ages ago. She didn't want to live a life the way she was living, so she ended it.
"They did not do enough. The head of CID is going to go through everything with a toothpick.
"They're going to find out why nothing happened, and why it got to the point where she felt she wasn't being looked after by the service, which she should be, and decided to take her life."
The police watchdog said an officer from the force now faced an investigation because a man was released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting Kiena 11 days before she died. It added that it didn't necessarily mean misconduct proceedings will follow.
The investigation is ongoing, but the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed the unnamed officer has now been served notice and faces potential misconduct proceedings, though proceedings are not guaranteed.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “Our investigation into the contact between Lancashire Constabulary and Kiena Dawes, before her death on 22 July is nearing completion.
“We have examined the police response to Miss Dawes being reported missing, as well as the police response to earlier reports that she had been the victim of assaults.
“Having obtained and reviewed a number of statements from witnesses, we have informed an officer that they are under investigation for potential gross misconduct in relation to their actions leading up to a man being released on bail earlier in July. One other officer is under investigation for potential misconduct relating to information officers received about Ms Dawes’s ex-partner in July 2022, and two further officers are under investigation for potential misconduct relating to the prior contact they had with Ms Dawes in 2021.
“Our thoughts remain with Miss Dawes’ loved ones and all those affected by her death.”
Lancashire Police later confirmed a mandatory referral had been made to the IOPC, which probed if the force acted sufficiently in response to reports of violence against Kiena and to locate her once she was reported missing.
IOPC regional director Catherine Bates added: "The death of Kiena Dawes is a tragedy that has had a devastating impact on her family and friends.
"Our thoughts remain with her loved ones and all those affected.
"Our independent investigation will help establish the actions taken by police, both in response to reports of violence and to locate her once she was reported missing.
"We have spoken to Miss Dawes' family to explain our role and will keep them updated on the progress of our investigation."
A spokesman for Lancashire Police told The Mirror: "In relation to the ongoing Kiena Dawes case, a 29-year-old man from Fleetwood has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behaviour, and remains on conditional bail pending further enquiries.
"It would be inappropriate to comment on that case while criminal proceedings remain ongoing. We remain in regular dialogue with Kiena ‘s family and they continue to be supported by specially-trained officers. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.
"We referred ourselves to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) in July 2022 in relation to contact we had with Kiena before her death. The IOPC are currently conducting an independent investigation and as this remains ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
*For confidential support, call the 24-hourNational Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.ukIf you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse)can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
