Parish Council Calls For Task Force Into Helman Death

Stourgate Parish Council has called for an independent investigation and the creation of a dedicated task force to look into the death of Steve Helman, despite East Kent Police already having an active murder investigation and a suspect in custody.

The proposal was raised by councillor Helen Saunders, who told the meeting that residents “deserved answers” and that the parish council should “take a lead role” in getting to the truth. “If it is foreigners to blame we need to do something about it.”

Other councillors pointed out that the parish council has no investigatory powers and an annual budget of £20,000 to cover all of its activities. Councillor Peter Wragg said the council “couldn’t afford a task force if it wanted one, we can barely afford the hanging baskets.”

The proposal was not put to a vote. Ms Saunders said she would raise the matter again at a future meeting.