Hertfordshire Police accused of ‘homophobic assumptions’ in Grindr blackmail probe

Hertfordshire Constabulary is facing scrutiny after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ordered the force to re-examine whether “homophobic assumptions” contributed to failures in an investigation linked to a suspected suicide.

The IOPC upheld parts of a complaint lodged by Cameron Tewson, whose partner, 56-year-old Scott Gough, died in March 2024 following an alleged blackmail attempt. A gang of six men reportedly targeted Mr Gough at his home in Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire demanding the keys to his new Range Rover. They fled after Mr Tewson called the police, leaving behind a note that read: “I think it’s in your best interest to give me a call.”

The following day, Mr Gough was found dead in his bedroom alongside a handwritten will. A coroner recorded death by asphyxiation, and an inquest remains open.

Mr Tewson claims officers’ attitudes shifted when he mentioned suspicions that his partner had been using Grindr. He believes this led to assumptions that LGBTQ+ individuals are at higher risk of suicide, undermining the rigour of the investigation. Police records later revealed that the phone number left by the gang was already linked to a previous blackmail case involving Grindr, yet suspects identified through vehicle registration were never interviewed. No DNA or fingerprint evidence was taken from the note, and no arrests were made.

The IOPC said: "We upheld two aspects of the review and have directed the force to reinvestigate those points. Our thoughts remain with Mr Gough’s family and loved ones.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary stated it could not comment on specifics while the investigation is ongoing. Superintendent Owen Pyle, the force’s LGBTQ+ strategic lead, said: “We are committed to eliminating discrimination and ensuring members of the LGBTQ+ community feel comfortable approaching us. We have more than 80 specially trained LGBTQ+ Liaison Officers across the county.”