The Metropolitan Police has apologised to the family of Ed Cornes, a 19-year-old University College London student who died in 2021, after an ITV News investigation raised serious questions about how officers handled the case. The force said specialist officers are now reviewing the original investigation and are asking witnesses to come forward with any further information.
The development matters because Ed’s family has spent years challenging the police response, arguing that important evidence was missed or lost and that assumptions linked to his sexuality affected how his death was investigated.
Met Police Reviewing Original Investigation
The Met said on Monday that specialist officers are looking again at the circumstances surrounding Ed Cornes’ death.
The force has also appealed for new information from anyone who may be able to assist the review.
Ed, who was gay, died shortly after beginning his first term at University College London. He had been at the university for only two days before his body was found in a basement room at a hotel in King’s Cross, central London.
Family Says Apology Is Not Enough
Ed’s mother, Miriam Blythe, told ITV News that the apology felt inadequate and had come far too late.
She said the family’s fight for answers had been devastating, particularly because she believed from the beginning that serious questions remained unanswered.
According to her account, the family felt repeatedly dismissed by officers after Ed’s death.
What Happened to Ed Cornes?
Ed’s body was found in a hotel basement room around five minutes from his student accommodation.
Other students said he had been heavily intoxicated that evening. According to evidence heard at the inquest, he later left his halls of residence and met an older man he had not previously known, who took him to the hotel. Another older man was also inside the room.
Ed was found dead several hours later.
The inquest heard that he had multiple cuts and other injuries, and that high levels of GHB were found in his bloodstream.
Two Men Arrested but Not Charged
Two men were arrested on suspicion of murder after Ed’s death. They were later released without charge.
The inquest also heard that the men delayed calling an ambulance while they attempted to dress Ed and move his body.
ITV News said it had previously tried to contact both men for comment but was unsuccessful.
Alleged Failings in the Police Investigation
Miriam Blythe has accused the original police investigation of being flawed from the beginning.
She told ITV News that key witnesses were not interviewed and that important evidence, including CCTV and blood samples, was lost.
She also submitted multiple complaints to the Metropolitan Police and to the police watchdog.
An internal review later identified 27 failings, according to the source article.
Background: Allegations of Homophobia
Ed’s family has said they believe homophobic assumptions influenced the police handling of the case.
Miriam Blythe previously told ITV News that officers made offensive comments linked to Ed’s sexuality. The Met has acknowledged that one such comment was made and apologised for the distress caused.
However, the force had previously maintained that Ed’s death was properly investigated and that all lines of inquiry had been explored.
Why This Case Matters
The Ed Cornes case raises serious questions about evidence handling, witness follow-up and how police treat families seeking answers after sudden or unexplained deaths.
It also comes amid wider public scrutiny of policing standards, particularly where families allege bias, stereotyping or dismissive treatment during investigations.
For Ed’s family, the new review represents a step forward, but not a full resolution.
What Happens Next
Specialist officers are now reviewing the original investigation and seeking further information from potential witnesses.
It is not yet stated whether the review could lead to a new criminal investigation, disciplinary action, or further findings about the original police response.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Police apology marks a significant development in the long-running fight by Ed Cornes’ family for answers. While the force is now reviewing the original investigation, Ed’s mother says the apology does not undo the years of distress the family has experienced. The next stage will depend on what specialist officers find and whether any new evidence emerges.
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