Eastenders' Sian Blake investigation: Police face probe after taking 20 days to find bodies

Scotland Yard says it has referred itself to the official police watchdog over the "handling and grading" of the case

She has been missing, along with her children, Zachary, eight and four –year-old Amon

Police investigating the disappearance of former Eastenders actor Sian Blake are facing a probe - after taking 20 days to find bodies buried in her garden.

The Metropolitan Police said it had made a voluntary referral to official watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission over the "handling and grading" of the case surrounding the 43-year-old.

Blake, from Erith in Kent, went missing with her two sons, Zachary, eight, and four-year-old Amon, who were last seen in Waltham Forrest, north London on December 13.

Three bodies, which have not yet been identified, were found in the garden of Ms Blake’s home, which she shared with her partner Arthur Simpson-Kent, on Tuesday.

A missing person’s inquiry was not launched until December 18 and was not classed as high risk.

The force faced questions over why it took three weeks before murder squad detectives were called to lead the case, and three bodies found.

Scotland Yard said on Wednesday afternoon that an “initial review” of the case had revealed “potential issues” with how the missing person’s case was dealt with.

Sian Blake's children, Zachary, eight, and Amon, four (PA)

A statement released by Scotland Yard said: “The Metropolitan Police has today made a voluntary referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission in relation to the Sian Blake missing person investigation.

"An initial review has highlighted some potential issues regarding the handling and grading of the missing persons investigation."

Murder squad detectives want to speak to her boyfriend, Mr Simpson-Kent, 48, who has not been seen since December 16 after he was interviewed by police.

The Sun reported that a source said Mr Simpson-Kent, who is the father of the two missing boys, is making his way to Africa.

Scotland Yard would not confirm the report that he had fled to Africa, but a spokesman said: ”Whether or not he is in the country is one line of inquiry.“

Neighbours had reported Blake, who suffered from motor neurone disease - a disease that fatally affects the spinal cord and brain - was looking weak and frail in the days before she went missing.

Her car, a silver-beige Renault Scenic, was found in Calvert Avenue, Bethnal Green, east London on 3 January, but it is not clear who parked it there.

She is played the character of Frankie Pierre in the BBC soap opera from 1996-1997.