Police examine claims of sexual contact with inmate

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.