So the co-ordinator of a major crime investigation has no control or influence over what forensic evidence is gathered at thr scene of a crime. So even if he’d asked for the bedding to be tested the SOCO would have had the final say on whether or not to test it. I see, that seems to be very reasonable I’m sure.
Horses for courses, VS. What additional tests would you suggest should have been performed, by the way?
"A search was also made for possible biological traces and fibres on the single bed from where the minor disappeared, using a variable-wave light source appropriate for the task, the result obtained having been negative.
The area of the pillow of the bed from the minor disappeared was inspected with the intention to detect the presence of some smell [aroma] characteristic of volatile substances typical of chloroform or ether, this search proving negative"
https://mccannpjfiles.co.uk/PJ/5A_FORENSIC_4_5_7.htm