BRITISH Transport Police is to conduct a review into its involvement in the search for a missing man after referring itself to a watchdog, it has been confirmed.

The body of Jamie Grimwood, 23, of Green Road in Runcorn, Cheshire, was found on September 11 in Flint.

An inquest opening in Ruthin last week heard a provisional cause of death given as compression of the neck by ligature hanging.

It has now been confirmed that British Transport Police, which provided support to North Wales Police in the attempts to find Mr Grimwood, is to undertake an internal review into its involvement.

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: "We received a referral on September 15 from British Transport Police concerning police searches carried out for Jamie Grimwood after he was reported missing.

"After careful assessment of the referral and relevant information, we have decided there should be an investigation carried out locally by the force.

"We have advised that if any concerns arise in the course of the investigation about the conduct of police officers or staff involved then a re-referral to the IOPC should be considered.”

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “We can confirm British Transport Police made a voluntary referral to the IOPC concerning searches carried out for a missing person in Flint.

"Following their direction, we will now be conducting an internal review into our involvement in the search.”

North Wales Police confirmed it is already conducting an internal review of the incident and has been in communication with the IOPC in relation to the matter.