POLICE watchdog investigators have interviewed officers, force staff and several witnesses as part of the ongoing probe into Angela Craddock's death.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation earlier this year following the murder of the 40-year-old in her flat in Howley on April 10.

Investigators are analysing the contact between Cheshire Constabulary and William Smart, who was found guilty of her brutal murder last week following a 12-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

The 55-year-old left Ms Craddock with more than 100 different injuries after punching, biting, kicking and stamping on her at the flat on St Elphin’s Close.

But this was not the first time Smart, who was jailed for 19 years for her killing, had been arrested by police for attacking Ms Craddock.

Only seven days before her murder, Smart had been released from prison after being sentenced to six months behind bars for assaulting her and threatening her with a knife in September 2017.

He breached his bail conditions several times between committing this offence.

He was jailed in February after Ms Craddock told police and hospital staff that she was afraid Smart would become her killer.

Smart also threatened to kill his partner in November, giving her a black eye and broken rib.

The IOPC, formerly the Independent Police Complaints Commission, oversee the national police complaints system and investigate the most serious incidents and complaints involving the police.

The case was referred to the IOPC by Cheshire Police.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We are aware of the trial and our sympathies are with Angela Craddock’s family at this difficult time. Our investigation is ongoing.

"A number of witnesses, police officers and police staff have provided statements and have been interviewed by our investigators.

"All police officers and staff are being treated as witnesses to the investigation at this time.”

The IOPC was unable to provide further details about when the investigation will be completed.