POLICE have been told to improve the way they train officers to handle stalking cases by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after the murder of Shana Grice.

Sussex Police have accepted six recommendations made as part of the ongoing investigation into how officers handled complaints she made about Michael Lane before he killed her in August last year.

She reported him for stalking on numerous occasions and at one point was issued with the fine for wasting police time.

Some 12 officers and staff are being questioned as part of the inquiry.

Lane, 27, of Thornhill Rise, Portslade, was convicted of her murder last month. He was handed a life sentence to serve a minimum 25 years in custody.

Associate Commissioner at the IPCC Tom Milsom has made six “quick-time learning recommendations” to the force, based on information that has so far been made available during the inquiry.

The IPCC said recommendations include improvements to the way officers are trained in recognising cases involving stalking and harassment, and how to best safeguard victims.

They also focus on improvements to data storage and retrieval, better use of existing systems to ensure relevant information is accurately logged, considered and reviewed.

Mr Milsom said: “I am encouraged by Sussex Police’s positive response to the recommendations I have made as part of our ongoing investigation.

“Stalking and harassment are serious offences and in certain situations, such as those involving Shana, can have tragic consequences.

“I am also pleased to see the work Sussex Police has been doing this week, in association with Suzy Lamplugh Trust as part of National Stalking Awareness Week to encourage those who believe they have been the victims of this behaviour to come forward and report it.”