Kent Police's involvement in the case of a man who strangled a woman with her hair straighteners while on bail for two rapes is being investigated by a watchdog.

Lee Nolan, 48, was jailed for life last week after pleading guilty to murdering 24-year-old Katelyn Parker in Manchester and driving around with her body in his boot.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is now looking into whether Kent Police and Greater Manchester Police conducted "timely, full and thorough" investigations into the rape allegations.

The Kent force declined to reveal its involvement in the case.

A spokesman added: "Kent Police is unable to comment while the IPCC investigation is ongoing."

The murder trial heard how Nolan, of Bamford Road, Heywood, strangled Ms Parker at her home in Rochdale after she refused to let him style her hair.

He later boasted to a man that he had a body in his boot. When the man expressed disbelief, he pulled one of the rear seats down to reveal Katelyn's body.

He was arrested the next day following a police chase.

Last Tuesday, he was sentenced to life in prison, and will serve a minimum of 18 years.

An IPCC spokesman said: "The IPCC are investigating the way in which Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Kent Police dealt with reports of rape, alleged to have been committed by Mr Lee Nolan, made in July 2014 by two women.

"Mr Nolan was arrested on 14 August 2015 by GMP on suspicion of murder and at this time he was on police bail in respect of the rape allegations.

"The IPCC investigation was suspended pending CPS decisions but will now resume and examine whether GMP and Kent Police conducted timely, full and thorough investigations into the allegations."