Cooper: 'Full and thorough' investigation needed

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."