The police watchdog has begun an investigation into the North Yorkshire force over the murder of a woman in Malton last week.
Lisa Welford, 49, died after she was pulled from the River Derwent on the evening of 24 April.
A day later, North Yorkshire Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An IOPC spokesperson said today (Thursday): “Following a referral from North Yorkshire Police we have begun an investigation into the prior contact the force had with a woman who was found in the River Derwent on 24 April and sadly pronounced dead in the early hours of the next day.
“We began an independent investigation on Tuesday (30 April) and we will be looking into the circumstances prior to her death.
“Our investigation is in the very early stages. Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends and all those affected by her tragic death.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Following the death of a woman in Malton last week, we have referred ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
“We made the mandatory referral as per standard procedure on Thursday 25 April, the day after the incident in which Lisa Welford, 49, was pulled from the River Derwent.
“She was taken to hospital, but she was sadly later pronounced deceased.”
Vincent Joseph Morgan, 47, of Chandlers Wharf, Castlegate, Malton, has appeared in court charged with Lisa’s murder.
He subsequently appeared at Leeds Crown Court on 30 April where he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 21 May.
A preliminary trial date has been set for 21 October.