Sian’s murder police shrug off criticism as they soak up the sun
THEY are typical of Brits abroad in the sun, enjoying cocktails and a dip in the pool at their luxury resort.
Det Con Paul Lapthorn enjoying the hotel facilities in Ghana
But this pair in shorts and flip-flops are from Scotland Yard on a break from the Sian Blake murder inquiry which has been beset by blunders.
Police went to Ghana on the trail of the suspect in the murder of the EastEnders star and her children.
The Met is under fire for errors that could have delayed extradition of Ms Blake’s partner Arthur Simpson-Kent to Britain – and could have led to him being freed.
In the snaps, Det Chief Insp Graeme Gwyn and Det Con Paul Lapthorn appear to shrug off any criticism as they make themselves comfortable.
Det Con Paul Lapthorn, left, and Det Chief Insp Graeme Gwyn, right, in Ghana
The Scotland Yard officers are in Ghana waiting for the extradition of Arthur Simpson-Kent
It is not unreasonable for them to make use of hotel facilities
Ms Blake and her sons with Simpson-Kent, Zachary, eight, and Amon, four, were last seen in London on December 13.
Police have been slammed for the three-week delay in digging up the garden of the family home in Erith, Kent, where the bodies were eventually found, and for letting Simpson-Kent, 48, slip out of the UK.
Local police arrested the fugitive as it was claimed British officers failed to act on a tip-off.
Simpson-Kent is wanted for the murder of actress Sian Blake and her children
Sian Blake police investigation
Later, in Accra, prosecutors admitted extradition papers had not yet been drawn up as the Met “were taken by surprise” at the speed the suspect was found.
The delay allowed a plea for his release, albeit this was eventually rejected.
The Met face an Independent Police Complaints Commission inquiry into their investigations.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said last night: “Since officers working overseas are unable to return home outside of working hours, it is not unreasonable for them to make use of hotel facilities.”