Child abuse training failures before boy's murder

A police watchdog's report found that West Mercia Police failed to properly train officers to identify child abuse, leading to the tragic murder of nine-year-old Alfie Steele by his mother and her partner in 2021. Despite 20 cases involving the family being examined, there was no indication of misconduct by officers. The report highlights the need for improved training to identify child abuse, with recommendations for better protocols and enforcement of child protection plans.