An independent report into the death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes who died after systematic abuse at the hands of his "evil" stepmother and father has found missed opportunities to keep him safe.

The six-year-old boy was tortured by Thomas Hughes and Emma Tustin, before being murdered by Tustin in Shirley, Solihull, in June 2020. 

She was sentenced to a minimum of 29 years for murder while Hughes was jailed for 21 years for manslaughter.

The report from the Ineqe Safeguarding Group for Solihull Council found there were "three critical opportunities" just months before Arthur's death where "had practice been sharper, outcomes could have been different."

The first was West Midlands Police (WMP) response to a welfare check request from social services emergency duty team on the night of April 16.

Police had seen the child the day before and, having not noticed "any significant injuries" to him, made the decision not to attend.

Thomas Hughes was jailed for 21 years (image via SWNS)

"The over-reliance on previous contact by the police with Arthur was ill-informed," the report says.

"The concerns related to a direct allegation of physical abuse and there was sufficient justification for the police to have responded immediately."

The second opportunity was on April 18 when WMP received a photo showing injuries to Arthur "consistent with actual bodily harm". 

"The photograph was shared via email," the report says.

"Had the police, as is their duty, investigated to discover whether an offence had been committed and by whom, it is reasonable to suggest Arthur could have been removed from those who represented a critical risk to him.

"Had police chosen to investigate it is possible Arthur may have been removed from the pathway to harm he was ultimately on."

Emma Tustin was jailed for 29 years for murder (image via SWNS)

The third opportunity identified was when photographs were shared with children's social care on April 24. 

"At this point it is reasonable to suggest the supervisor(s) should have re-evaluated their position, demonstrated professional curiosity and revisited their approach. They did not."

The report concludes possession of the photos by statutory agencies "could and should have changed the course of this case". 

"It is therefore not possible to rule out the likelihood an appropriate intervention may have prevented Arthur's murder," the report adds.

Claire Bell, WMP's assistant chief constable, said: "The loss of someone so young in such terrible circumstances was incomprehensible.

"We accept the finding of this report and we will work with partners to embrace the learning."

An Ofsted report in January 2023 said children in Solihull were not getting the help they needed while inspectors had "identified serious and widespread failings across all service areas."

The report identified 'three critical opportunities' authorities could have intervened (image via SWNS)

Ofsted's most recent monitoring visit to Solihull's Children's Services, in January, found social work practice has improved and there has been progress. 

Paul Johnson, Solihull Council chief executive, said: "The council has been under scrutiny for its children's services and following an inadequate rating by Ofsted in January 2023, we have been addressing its recommendations and delivering an improvement plan. 

"Positive progress is being made and this has been recognised by Ofsted through their regular monitoring visits. 

"We will now use the findings from the Ineqe review to make sure we are making all of the necessary changes to continue to improve safeguarding arrangements for children in Solihull."