IPCC launch investigation into allegations
TWO young girls – one aged six, and the other 11, were subjected to a stop and search ‘under terrorism legislation’ in London earlier this year, it has been claimed.
The incident, which occurred in South London in July, is now being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
A 43-year-old man, who was also searched by police, complained to the IPCC after the incident.
Two police officers stopped the man, his 11-year-old daughter and his neighbours six-year-old as they walked from Woolwich Arsenal station towards the bus station in General Gordon Square.
The man claims he was they were being searched under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act.
He said the officers seized his mobile telephones, USB sticks and a CD, and was told to stand in front of a CCTV camera in order to have his photograph taken.
The IPCC said they were managing an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Directorate of Professional Standards.
IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin, who leads on the issue of Stop and Search, said: “The use of Section 44 stop and search powers is a very sensitive issue and it is right that complaints of this nature are taken very seriously. It is particularly worrying that two young children were allegedly searched in this way. This investigation will look at whether the use of these powers in this case was lawful, reasonable and correctly carried out.”
