AVON and Somerset Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following a woman's death in Minehead.

It comes after the family of Weston woman Kelly Faiers lodged a complaint over the force's response to her death in October.

At the time officers attended the Minehead home of Richard Scatchard, 70, with who he was in a relationship, but left before returning the following day, by which time he had disappeared.

It later emerged Scatchard had been released from a life prison sentence for a series of sex crimes against women and is wanted on recall to prison. He is described by police as a risk to the public, particularly women he forms relationships with.

READ MORE: Police issue image of wanted man's last known movements.

Police have since issued a number of appeals in their efforts to track him down and Crimestoppers has put up a £10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Police have received a large number of reported sightings of Scatchard.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Kelly's death continues to be treated as a murder inquiry at this time.

READ MORE: Police hunt for Richard Scatchard.

“Family liaison officers are in regular contact with her family to keep them updated and to provide support.

“Our professional standards department was made aware of the incident and our response is at an early stage and we will assist the IOPC in any way we can in relation to the complaint received.”

READ MORE: Reported sightings of Richard Scatchard.

Scatchard, who speaks with a Scottish accent, has been known to also use the name Richard Dunlop.

He is described as white, about 5ft 11ins tall, of average build, with short grey hair, and normally clean shaven, although police said his appearance could have changed since he was last seen.

Police have warned anybody who sees Scatchard should not approach him but instead call 999 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223259285.