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-41121692
The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Nine G4S staff at immigration removal suspended | Nine G4S staff at immigration removal suspended |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| G4S has suspended nine members of staff from an immigration removal centre near Gatwick Airport, following a BBC Panorama undercover investigation. | G4S has suspended nine members of staff from an immigration removal centre near Gatwick Airport, following a BBC Panorama undercover investigation. |
| The programme says it has covert footage recorded at Brook House showing officers "mocking, abusing and assaulting" people being held there. | The programme says it has covert footage recorded at Brook House showing officers "mocking, abusing and assaulting" people being held there. |
| It says it has seen "widespread self-harm and attempted suicides" in the centre, and that drug use is "rife". | It says it has seen "widespread self-harm and attempted suicides" in the centre, and that drug use is "rife". |
| G4S said it is aware of the claims and "immediately" began an investigation. | |
| The security firm said it had not been provided with recorded evidence, but added: "There is no place for the type of conduct described." | The security firm said it had not been provided with recorded evidence, but added: "There is no place for the type of conduct described." |
| 'Toxic mix' | |
| The programme, to be aired on Monday, uses footage it says was recorded by a custody officer at the centre, which holds detainees facing deportation from the UK. | |
| Panorama says it has seen "chaos, incompetence and abuse" at the centre, which it describes as a "toxic mix". | |
| It claims detainees who have overstayed visas or are seeking asylum in the UK can share rooms with foreign national criminals who have finished prison sentences. | |
| It also alleges that some detainees have been held in the privately-run centre for "many months, even years." | |
| G4S said the staff suspensions were a "precaution" but it has reported the allegations to "the relevant authorities". | |
| "Such behaviour is not representative of the many G4S colleagues who do a great job, often in difficult and challenging circumstances," Jerry Petherick, managing director for G4S' custodial and detention services in the UK, said, | |
| "Once we have seen the evidence and concluded the investigation, I will ensure that we take the appropriate action. | |
| "We continue to focus on the care and wellbeing of detainees at Brook House." |