A PROBE into the death of 16-year-old Kate Walsh who died in a squat after it is believed she overdosed on drugs is to be launched after her parents called for an inquiry.

The review will investigate what a whole range of agencies knew about Kate's drug addiction, what they did about it and what lessons can be learned for the future to stop other young people dying in such circumstances.

It may be that the investigation is taken to the highest level as a Serious Case Review. This is a rare step that was taken after the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000.

The police, social services, health, education and probation services will all be scrutinised to see exactly how they responded to Kate's sad plight.

Kate's parents Debbie and Anthony Walsh have told the Advertiser that there should be an investigation and action should be taken to enable authorities to intervene to protect young people on drugs.

Kate herself sought help, knowing she was in real danger, and even asked to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act so that she could get the treatment she desperately needed.

Lessons must be learned from Kate's death. As Supt Kevin Maidment says, anyone with an ounce of human compassion has been shocked by this case. Any death of this type is unnecessary and unavoidable.