Coroner warns safeguarding gaps after Thamesmead woman killed by ex-partner

An 18-year-old woman from Thamesmead was killed by her abusive partner after safeguarding measures lapsed when she reached adulthood. Natasha Hill died from more than 50 injuries at Scott Clifford’s grandfather’s home on Sewell Road in April 2018. Clifford, then 34, was later convicted of her murder.

Safeguarding support ended at 18

Hill had been in care since childhood and moved to semi-independent living in December 2016. She struggled with mental health issues and substance misuse. Clifford began grooming her during this period. A Child Abduction Warning Notice was issued against him, but it automatically expired when Hill turned 18 in January 2018.

Within a week of her birthday, Hill moved in with Clifford. The Multi-Agency Child Exploitation framework, which had provided safeguarding support, discharged her. Dr Julian Morris, Senior Coroner for Inner South London, said this left her without protection as abuse escalated. Police attempted to locate Clifford, but he remained out of contact with his probation officer.

Coroner’s report highlights systemic failures

Following an inquest in February, Dr Morris issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report. The document warns that similar deaths could occur unless agencies improve protections for vulnerable young people transitioning to adulthood. The coroner identified inconsistent police approaches to child sexual exploitation and missing person cases as contributing factors.

The report calls for formal reviews of vulnerable young people before their 18th birthdays. It also recommends better coordination between child and adult safeguarding teams. Dr Morris urged consideration of protections that could continue after a Child Abduction Warning Notice expires. His findings were sent to the Home Secretary, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and the Education Secretary.

What happens next

The Home Office, National Police Chiefs’ Council, and Department for Education must respond to the Prevention of Future Deaths report within 56 days. Their responses will outline any actions taken or planned to address the coroner’s recommendations. It is unclear whether local safeguarding partnerships in Greenwich or Bexley will implement changes before national guidance is issued.