This is Kate Walsh - the 16-year-old girl found dead in a squat from a suspected drug overdose. Today, we ask why no one was able to avert the tragedy, in spite of her parents' pleas for help.

POLICE were unable to intervene even though the parents of tragic 16-year-old Kate Walsh pleaded with them for help before their daughter was found dead of a suspected drug overdose in a seedy squat.

Two months before Kate's body was discovered in Manchester Road, Swindon, her mother asked the police for help because she feared her daughter was being led astray by a 27-year-old boyfriend.

She contacted her councillor, Lisa Hawkes (Con Highworth), who acted on her behalf. But despite their concerns, the police were unable to act because Kate was over 16.

Now Coun Hawkes wants the police to explain exactly why they were unable to help.

She says lessons need to be learned to prevent further young lives being lost.

She said: "There needs to be a full inquiry into this.

"This man Kate was seeing was considerably older than her, and she was living in a squat.

"The parents were frantic, and we need to look at why the police were unable to help.

"We also need to look at the issue of known drug users who are in the community. They need to be more closely monitored."

Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar was unable to comment on Kate's case.

She said: "In cases like this we would look at the circumstances, and if they warrant us getting involved or giving advice we would do that.

"Parents who need advice about drug issues should contact their GP or one of the drug treatment agencies in Swindon."

Anthony and Debbie Walsh had been desperately worried about their daughter since she moved out of the family home in Eastview Terrace, Highworth, to be with her boyfriend last year.

Kate, who had an older brother and a younger sister, met the man while he was being treated at the Gloucester House drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Highworth.

Managers at Gloucester House ordered the man to leave in March last year when they found out about the relationship.

They have now changed the rules banning residents from forming inappropriate relationships with people in the town.

But manager David Day added: "We are not a prison, and after the first week, residents are free to come and go."

Kate sought help from the Stepping Forward drug project at St John's Church in Whitbourne Avenue, Park North.

Her parents were also given advice and support by staff there.

Support worker Josie Lewis said parents who are concerned that their children are turning to drugs should call them for advice.

She said: "Many parents cut themselves off from their children and tell them to sort themselves out.

"But they need to understand that drug addiction is an illness.

"They need to be there to support their children in whatever way they can."

Police want to hear from anyone who saw Kate between December 22, when she was last seen by her family, and January 3, when her body was discovered. Call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

For advice on drug related issues contact:

Stepping Forward offers one-to-one advice sessions for parents and users and counselling: 01793 531166.

Druglink offers counselling, parental support and rehabilitation courses: 01793 610133.

The Swindon and Wiltshire Alcohol and Drug Service counselling and advice : 01793 695405.

The Evening Advertiser and the police launched the Swindon Drugs Hotline last year to snare dealers. The police need names, addresses and car registration numbers of pushers. All calls are treated in confidence

Tamash Lal