A HARD-HITTING investigation into the death of teenager Kate Walsh is to be launched next week.

The 16-year-old from Highworth was found dead in a squat in Manchester Road, Swindon, earlier this month after it is believed she took a drugs overdose.

The multi-agency probe, which will feature representatives from the police, social services, health, education and probation services, will sit down to discover whether there needs to be a Serious Case Review, which now seems likely, into her death, .

A review will scrutinise what information each agency knew about Kate's drug addiction, what actions were taken, what lessons can be learned and what changes if any need to be made to operational procedures.

The investigation bears echoes of the Victoria Climbie Inquiry, which looked at lapses in the system which played a part in the death of the eight-year-old in London in February 2000.

Victoria suffered 128 injuries to her body, which were inflicted by her great-aunt Marie Therese Kouao and Kouao's boyfriend, Carl Manning.

Supt Kevin Maidment, Wiltshire police's head of crime safety and criminal justice, will represent the police at the meeting.

He said: "This is a tragic case of a 16-year-old girl who has died in horrendous circumstances it is sad and pitiful.

"It is important that agencies take the opportunity to review what information they had and what actions they took. Any death of this type is unnecessary and avoidable.

"Next week's meeting will discuss whether there needs to be a Serious Case Review, which will look at who knew what and when.

"Anyone with an ounce of human compassion has been shocked by this case, especially parents of teenagers and young people.

"It would appear Kate Walsh got involved with something that took over her life and ultimately killed her at a time that should have been the start of the challenges and rewards of life."

Kate's parents, Debbie and Anthony Walsh, say that they approached police and social services to help their daughter beat drugs, but were told no one could help because she was 16.

They have now launched a quest to allow authorities to intervene to protect young people who are at risk from drugs.

Keith Skerman, director of Swindon Social Services, said: "Our sympathies go to the family of Kate Walsh at this difficult time. As a matter of course all agencies with responsibilities for children jointly discuss and review tragic cases of this nature.

"No comment can be made while these internal discussions are underway and the formal inquest has yet to take place. The coroner will in due course receive our full co-operation."

Kate, a keen artist and musician, left the family home in Eastview Terrace, Highworth, in March last year, soon after her 16th birthday. In September her parents tracked her down to a women's refuge in Swindon.

The former Warneford School pupil moved back home before Christmas and it was then she admitted to her drug problem and sought help. Things got so bad that she even asked to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned on Tuesday.

Giles Sheldrick