The Met Police made 27 failings in the investigation into the death of gay student Ed Cornes, which his family has blamed on “homophobia”. The inquest ruled that Cornes had left his university halls and met Matthew Butler, who he had never met before. Several hours later, Cornes was found dead with 36 cuts and other injuries. The force has apologised for how the case was handled and an internal review later found 27 failings. “The extensive investigation, which was subsequently reviewed, ruled out third-party involvement in Edward’s death and this conclusion was later reinforced at the inquest.