Charlotte died in Walla Brook when it was in spate

There will be no independent investigation into the police’s conduct following the death of Charlotte Shaw during training for the Ten Tors challenge.

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission after comments by coroner Elizabeth Earland. The inquest was halted by the Exeter and Greater Devon coroner when she decided criminal charges might arise from the schoolgirl’s death.

A statement issued today by the IPCC said the matter can be returned to the force.

Charlotte died on 4 March 2007 in a training exercise preparing for the annual Ten Tors event on Dartmoor and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary investigated her death.

On 21 December last year the police made a voluntary referral to the IPCC following concerns expressed by coroner Elizabeth Earland at the inquest.

IPCC deputy chair Len Jackson said: “The media reported the concerns expressed at the inquest about the police investigation into Charlotte’s death and this matter was referred voluntarily by the force because of public-confidence issues.

“One of our senior investigators looked at this matter and I am satisfied that at this stage it can be returned to the police force without any further IPCC involvement.

“I have contacted the coroner to let her know our decision.”