Four Met officers under investigation over arrest of child who was strip-searched

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed four Met officers are under investigation for the arrest of a child who was strip-searched.

The search took place at Walworth police station in Manor Place, Kennington, in December 2020.

The Met referred the Walworth strip-search to the IOPC in May 2022 after they received a complaint about the incident.

The IOPC said the officers were under investigation for the arrest and detention of the child, not the strip-search.

An IOPC spokesman said: “We can confirm that four Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers have been served misconduct notices as part of our ongoing investigation.

“A police sergeant and three police constables have been served notices in relation to the arrest and detention of the child, who was strip-searched by MPS officers.

“Our investigation began following a referral in May 2022. The serving of misconduct notices does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow.

“Due to the sensitivities surrounding this matter, we cannot provide any further information at this time.”

(Picture: The Met)