Thursday 23 June 2022 11:26 AM Met Police will be reinvestigated over Stephen Port murders trends now Met Police will be reinvestigated over Stephen Port murders: Force watchdog will launch new probe into how Scotland Yard handled serial killer's victims after 'whitewash' report cleared 17 officers of misconduct By Jack Wright For Mailonline Published: 11:17 BST, 23 June 2022 | Updated: 11:25 BST, 23 June 2022 Viewcomments Scotland Yard will be reinvestigated over its handling of the Stephen Port murders by the police watchdog after a 'whitewash' probe cleared 17 Metropolitan Police officers of misconduct. The officers were accused of blunders that may have hindered the investigation into Port, who murdered Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor during a year-long killing spree before he was caught in September 2015. All but one of the 17 officers investigated for alleged misconduct refused to answer questions when quizzed by investigators. Now, after an inquest jury ruled in December that 'fundamental failures' to investigate Port 'probably' allowed him to kill another three gay men after his first murder in 2014, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has decided to reinvestigate. Stephen Port (pictured), 46, is serving life in Belmarsh prison for drugging, raping and killing four men, who he met on a gay dating app, between June 2014 and September 2015 Two of Port's victims were Anthony Walgate (left) and Jack Taylor (right). Sarah Munro QC has published a prevention of future deaths report, saying she was 'concerned' to hear evidence of errors made by detectives Ms Munro said she was 'concerned' to hear about the 'basic investigative failings' made by detectives. Pictured: Two of Port's victims Gabriel Kovari (left) and Daniel Whitworth (right) The inquests also revealed new evidence previously unknown to the IOPC from officers who had been subject to the earlier probe. IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: 'In our original investigation, we examined the actions of 17 officers. All but one gave no-comment interviews under misconduct caution and chose to provide written responses to the investigators. 'Following analysis of the new information provided at the inquest, we have concluded that the original investigation needed to be wider in scope and, therefore, certain lines of inquiries were not followed. Had this information been known at the time it may have led to different decisions on outcomes.' The Met said the force will offer 'every support' to the fresh investigation into the way officers initially handled the murders. Inquest jurors found 'failures' by the police were likely to have contributed to three of the men's deaths. Pictured: Met Police assistant commissioner Helen Ball speaks after the inquest Acting Deputy Commissioner Helen Ball said: 'The deaths of these four young men is a tragedy and we are deeply sorry there were failings in our police response. Again, I give my own and the Met's heartfelt apologies. 'The whole of the Met is committed to improving our investigations, our relationships and the trust people have in us to keep them safe. 'Since the deaths of Anthony, Gabriel, Daniel and Jack we have worked hard to ensure the service we provide is better while understanding we have more to do. Learning and recommendations from the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Her Majesty's Coroner and our LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group of community members have enabled us to make a range of improvements. 'Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services are with us now carrying out an inspection into how we respond to and investigate death. We look forward to their findings and any recommendations they may have. 'If the IOPC reinvestigation makes further recommendations for improvements we will of course consider those very seriously, in addition to any misconduct matters that may arise.' This is a breaking news story. More to follow Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility