Immigration centre sex claim

Private security firm Serco "absolutely refutes" any allegations of sexual misconduct between staff and inmates, says the man running the main removal centre for women in the UK.

Police are examining accusations of sexual contact with guards at Yarl's Wood made by a 23-year-old former inmate.

Responding to allegations of sexual contact between guards and a former inmate, the Home Office said any claims of misconduct would be "thoroughly investigated".

They take the welfare of detained asylum seekers "very seriously" and expect private security firms working on their behalf to "maintain the highest standards".

There should be a "full and thorough" investigation into claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour at the largest immigration removal centre for women in UK, the Shadow Home Secretary has said.

Yvette Cooper called on the Home Office to launch their own investigation alongside police after allegations of sexual contact between guards and women kept at Yarl's Wood where made by a 23-year-old former inmate.

"A full and thorough investigation into these specific charges of abuse must be undertaken by the police and the Home Office immediately and testimony taken from all involved. This kind of alleged abuse is a serious criminal offence and should be treated as such.

"The Home Office needs to tell us whether and how long it has known of these allegations and what action it has taken to bring the police in."

An investigation has been launched after a former inmate of an immigration removal centre made allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour against guards, police said.

A 23-year-old Roma woman claims she had sexual contact with male guards at Yarl's Wood in Bedfordshire, which her lawyer said could amount to misconduct in public office.

Harriet Wistrich of law firm Birnberg Peirce called on the Government to look at "what the hell is going on at Yarl's Wood" and raised concerns that this may not be the only case of sexual misconduct.

A Bedfordshire Police spokeswoman said: "We received a report at the end of August from a third party. No one has been arrested in connection with this investigation, but the investigation is ongoing."

Yarl's Wood has become the main removal centre for women in the UK and has been run by private security firm Serco since 2007.