This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-35260927

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Medway young offenders centre staff suspended over abuse claims G4S Medway young offenders centre staff suspended over abuse claims
(35 minutes later)
Seven staff members at a young offenders institution in Kent have been suspended over abuse allegations.Seven staff members at a young offenders institution in Kent have been suspended over abuse allegations.
The staff were working at the Medway Secure Training Centre in Rochester, managed by security firm G4S.The staff were working at the Medway Secure Training Centre in Rochester, managed by security firm G4S.
Paul Cook of G4S said he was "shocked and appalled" and was supporting a police investigation.Paul Cook of G4S said he was "shocked and appalled" and was supporting a police investigation.
The allegations, made following a BBC Panorama investigation, are said to involve unnecessary force, foul language and a cover-up. The allegations, made following a BBC Panorama undercover investigation, are said to involve unnecessary force, foul language and a cover-up.
'Inappropriately restraining''Inappropriately restraining'
The centre is a 76-bed facility for young offenders aged from 12 to 18.The centre is a 76-bed facility for young offenders aged from 12 to 18.
Mr Cooke, managing director of G4S childrens' services, told BBC Radio Kent he was informed of the allegations in December and referred them that day to the Medway Child Protection team and the police.Mr Cooke, managing director of G4S childrens' services, told BBC Radio Kent he was informed of the allegations in December and referred them that day to the Medway Child Protection team and the police.
He said the BBC had referred to "staff hurting and inappropriately restraining young people, using foul and abusive language and failing to report or cover up their actions". He said the BBC had referred to "staff hurting and inappropriately restraining young people, using foul and abusive language and failing to report... their actions".
The seven members of staff named in a Panorama document, sent to Mr Cooke, were immediately suspended, he said.The seven members of staff named in a Panorama document, sent to Mr Cooke, were immediately suspended, he said.
He said safeguarding had been stepped up at the centre while the investigation takes place.He said safeguarding had been stepped up at the centre while the investigation takes place.
The Panorama programme is yet to be broadcast. Kent Police said in a statement: "All necessary safeguarding measures have been taken and inquiries are ongoing."
The Youth Justice Board has increased its monitoring activity at the centre and the presence of its independent advocacy service, delivered by Barnardo's, Liz Hinnigan, its chief executive said.
The Panorama programme will be broadcast on 18 January on BBC 1 at 20:20 GMT