Police End Manslaughter Probe into BBL Death After Suspect's Passing
Gloucestershire Police have formally closed their criminal investigation into the alleged manslaughter of Alice Webb, a 33-year-old mother-of-five, who died following a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift procedure. The decision comes after the death of the main suspect, who was on police bail at the time.
Suspect's Death Halts Criminal Proceedings
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jordan James Parke, known as the 'British Lip King', died recently while released on bail pending further inquiries. He had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Ms Webb's death but was never formally charged. A police spokesperson confirmed that with his death, no charges can be brought, leading to the termination of the criminal probe.
However, the family of Alice Webb remains determined to pursue justice. Her long-term partner, Dane Knight, expressed devastation and called for the release of police investigation details, stating he 'wants people to know how she died'. The family learned of Parke's death through social media rather than official channels, which Mr Knight described as leaving him 'peeved off and angry'.
Family's Emotional Response and Call for Action
Mr Knight shared mixed emotions upon hearing of Parke's death, initially feeling a sense of happiness followed by frustration that Parke had 'taken the easy route out'. He remarked on the irony, noting Parke became the second person in the UK to die from the same procedure he allegedly caused the first death from. The family plans to continue their fight for justice through upcoming inquests into both deaths.
Alice Webb fell ill on 24 September 2024 after undergoing what is believed to be a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift, passing away hours later at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. A second person, a woman, was also arrested but released with no further action.
Risks of Unregulated Cosmetic Procedures
Non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts involve injecting dermal filler into the buttocks to enhance appearance. Currently, such procedures are unregulated in the UK because they do not require incisions or general anaesthetic. This lack of oversight has led to reports of unsafe practices in unsanitary conditions by individuals without medical training.
Mr Knight warned that without stricter regulations, more deaths like Ms Webb's are inevitable. He described the surgery as a game of 'Russian roulette' and urged the government to act swiftly, stating, 'If it is ignored again, death will be on the hands of the person deciding on banning these type of procedures.'
Ongoing Investigations and Future Steps
Separately, the Metropolitan Police have arrested two people on suspicion of manslaughter following Parke's death, which is being treated as unexplained and may be linked to a cosmetic procedure. Inquiries will continue on behalf of the coroner, with inquests into both deaths scheduled to proceed in due course.
The police spokesperson added, 'Alice's family has been updated and we hope the inquest will enable Alice's family to have the answers they deserve.' As the case shifts from criminal to coronial proceedings, the focus remains on uncovering the full circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
