THE family of murdered Keighley toddler Star Hobson has been left disappointed at the findings of a police watchdog investigation.

Star died, aged just 16 months, after suffering a cardiac arrest as a result of her injuries.

Her mother, Frankie Smith, was jailed for 12 years for allowing her daughter’s death and Smith’s partner, Savannah Brockhill, was sentenced to life for Star’s murder.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) says West Yorkshire Police had lessons to learn, but no action has been taken against any officers.

The investigation looked at how the force responded to two reports that Star suffered injuries in the months before her death on September 22, 2020.

It concluded there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

David Fawcett, Star’s great-grandfather, is still searching for answers as to why authorities did not intervene better when the abuse was taking place.

He said: “It’s as if it is being brushed aside and nobody is taking any responsibility.

“I find it very disappointing. We were so badly let down."

The IOPC has highlighted ten areas of learning for the police.

They cover subjects including training for officers, recording intelligence and information, ensuring all roles within the safeguarding unit are adequately resourced, information sharing between stakeholders, and how officers investigate and follow up all potential lines of enquiry.

The first report to West Yorkshire Police was made by Star’s father Jordan Hobson on June 21, 2020, after he received photographs of bruising to his daughter’s face while she was living with Smith and Brockhill.

After officers examined Star and held discussions with the safeguarding unit and children’s social care, it was decided that the child would be taken to hospital for a medical examination.

A doctor concluded the injuries were caused accidentally.

A second report was made by Star’s father on August 31, 2020, after receiving a video showing bruising to his daughter’s face. But again, it was believed the injuries were accidental.

IOPC regional director Thea Walton said: “The circumstances of this case are shocking and profoundly disturbing, and I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Star’s family for their tragic loss.

“While our investigation found no evidence to suggest West Yorkshire Police caused Miss Hobson’s death, our investigation did highlight some considerable learning for the police."

West Yorkshire Police say they have already made “significant progress” in the highlighted areas and protecting children is a top priority for the force.

Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller said: “We welcome the Independent Office for Police Conduct recommendations and have consulted and engaged with them throughout the process.

“As the report highlighted, no criminal or disciplinary proceedings were taken against any of our officers, and all staff and officers were treated as witnesses throughout the investigation.

“We have already made significant progress in the areas that have been highlighted in the report and are working with partner agencies to implement them.

“The death of Star Hobson was a tragic case which has had a profound impact on the local community. Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Star’s family.”