The family of Fiona Pilkington, a Leicestershire woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after enduring years of abuse from local youths, is taking legal action against the police and two councils.
Ms Pilkington, 38, drove herself and her 18-year-old daughter Francecca to a lay-by in October 2007 and set fire to the car. An inquest jury found that the family's pleas for help had been ignored.
Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council, and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council have confirmed that a legal case is being brought against them. The home of the single mother was repeatedly targeted by groups of up to 16 youngsters, who threw stones, eggs, and flour at the house.
Police were contacted 33 times over ten years but only visited the family eight times, the inquest heard. The force admitted that many of Ms Pilkington's calls were not linked and were classified as anti-social behaviour rather than crime.
The inquest jury returned verdicts of suicide and unlawful killing, stating that the response of the police and two local councils had contributed to the deaths. An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into how police handled the complaints is ongoing.
Leicestershire Police said they were aware of a writ being issued by the family, while Hinckley and Bosworth Council said it had received a pre-action letter. A Leicestershire County Council spokesman confirmed receipt of a letter and said the authority was considering its response.
