Met Chief apologises to son & partner of Rachel Nickell for botched murder investigation
THE head of the Met has apologised to the son and partner of Rachel Nickell over the botched investigation into her murder.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has written to Alex Hanscombe — who witnessed the killing as a two-year-old — and his dad André, 60.
The police chief is also set to meet the family. His apology raises their hopes of compensation.
Alex, now 33, said: “The Met commissioner wrote to us and apologised for the impact that the murder and investigation has had on us.
“We’re obviously appreciative that he has responded so quickly and are glad they are treating this seriously.
‘And while we know this is a first step in the right direction, we want words to be followed by actions.
“If you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk.
“But this is a promising start.”
Mum Rachel, 23, was killed in a frenzied attack on London’s Wimbledon Common in 1992.
We told last week that Alex and André had written to Sir Mark about a “catalogue of errors”.
In a statement last week, Sir Mark said: “We can’t imagine the extent of the pain Alex and André have experienced over such a long period of time, however the letter shows what a lasting and life changing impact this awful crime has understandably had on them as individuals and as a family.
“We will take time to properly consider their requests, and provide a full response as they ask.”