NEIGHBOURS HAD RAISED THE ALARM

FOLLOWING the conviction of Dent and Binfield, police revealed neighbours of the couple had expressed concern about drug activities at their home, 124a Kilbourne Road, Belper.

Officers said they had started an investigation into neighbours' concerns.

Detective Superintendent Andy Stokes said: "We received information about drugs at the flat 11 days before Riley's death. The intelligence was being developed and checked prior to any action being taken. Clearly, the tragic death of Riley occurred before any police activity took place.

"We have provided a full report into the actions of the police leading up to Riley's death to the Serious Case Review. Any recommendations that have emerged from the Serious Case Review have been acted upon.

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"A key priority for the police is protecting of the vulnerable and the findings of the review can only support that priority.

"The force receives a large amount of drugs intelligence each week and we have systems in place to develop it and decide on the most appropriate course of action.

"The investigation of drugs offences is a core part of our role but we recognise the need to work in partnership with other agencies to rehabilitate offenders and protect the public. This is a very sad case and our sympathies go out to all of those affected."

One neighbour said: "I never saw Sally take drugs but it was common knowledge around here that she was an addict.

"A few of the neighbours raised concerns that they had a small child in the house.

"It seems the authorities only step in when it's too late. I think there are lessons that need to be learnt."

Following the verdict, Derbyshire County Council issued a statement which said: "Derbyshire County Council was not involved with Riley Pettipierre or his family prior to his tragic death.

"The council is a member of the Derbyshire Safeguarding Children's Board which has commissioned a review of this case.

"The review – which is being written by an independent author – is likely to recommend issues for action by the agencies involved. This is intended to improve the way agencies work together and to address any areas for development in our policies, practices or procedures."

Asked by the Derby Telegraph if it would have expected to know about Riley's situation, the county council responded: "The issues around referrals are being addressed by the serious case review into the circumstances surrounding Riley's death."

A spokesman for Derbyshire's Safeguarding Children's Board said: "The premature death of any child is a terrible tragedy and we need to see if Riley's death could have been predicted or prevented."

He said the review would include a detailed examination of the involvement of and actions taken by all the agencies who worked with the family.