THE police investigation into the death of a man crushed in a cement mixer will be independently reviewed.

Following concerns raised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission watchdog, Essex Police have agreed to bring in another police force to examine their original lines of enquiry into the death of Lee Balkwell.

Mr Balkwell, 33, was found crushed in the machinery of a mixing lorry at Baldwins Farm, near South Ockendon, in July 2002.

Mr Balkwell’s father, Les, has always maintained his son was murdered and has worked tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, even setting up a website, www.justiceforlee balkwell.com Mr Balkwell, from Hornchurch, said: “I’m disappointed Essex Police have not allowed a full re-investigation of the case, which would look again into the true cause of my son’s death, which is what the IPCC recommended.

“What they are allowing is only a review of the original police investigation.

“As I understand it, the team carrying this out will be a single independent officer from outside Essex Police, working alongside a senior officer from Essex Police.

“I believe the investigation should be carried out by a completely independent team, otherwise there will always be doubts about its independence.

IPCC commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said the review will identify whether any lines of enquiry were not followed or any evidence missed. She said if there was, then they would investigate thoroughly.

She added: “Our ongoing investigation can only look at the specifics of Mr Balkwell’s complaints about the investigation into his son’s death.

“It is outside our remit to investigate Lee’s death as there is no allegation that it was at the hands of police officers.”