A police watchdog has confirmed an independent probe into the contact officers had with a woman shortly before she was murdered by her boyfriend is still ongoing.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was informed after the body of Tara Kershaw, 33, was found at her flat in Great Yarmouth, just after 9am on Saturday, January 20.

Adam Barnard (left) and Tara Kershaw (inset) with police at Princes RoadAdam Barnard (left) and Tara Kershaw (inset) with police at Princes Road (Image: Facebook/Norfolk Constabulary) On Thursday, her partner Adam Barnard, 41, was convicted of murdering Miss Kershaw following a five-week trial at Norwich Crown Court.

Following the verdict, a spokesman for the IOPC said: "Our investigation into the contact that Norfolk Police officers had with Tara Kershaw prior to her death on 20 January 2024 is ongoing.”

Adam BarnardAdam Barnard (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) The trial heard Miss Kershaw died from compression of the neck with the post-mortem examination revealing evidence of "two episodes" of previous fractures to the larynx or voice box.

Jurors also heard Barnard, who lived next door to Miss Kershaw in a guest house on Princes Road, was arrested on January 18 after she told police he had cut her lip.

He was taken into custody and interviewed, telling officers she had caused the cut herself.

He was released shortly before 11pm on January 18 with no further action taken and returned to the guest house, where he killed Miss Kershaw hours later.

The trial also heard Miss Kershaw had made earlier allegations against Barnard, including on January 6 this year, when she called police complaining he had strangled her.

A Norfolk Police spokesman said as the IOPC was independently investigating this incident "we cannot comment on specific details". 

The spokesman added: "The Constabulary continues to co-operate with the IOPC."