Child Q: THIRD Met Police strip search of child investigated by IOPC

The Met Police is under investigation for a strip search of a third child by officers, a key police watchdog has confirmed.

It follows outrage over the cases of children identified as Child Q and ‘Olivia’ (not her real name) who were strip searched by Met officers while both on their periods.

And it comes after acting Met chief Sir Stephen House admitted he was aware of a third complaint following the strip search of a child, while speaking at City Hall last week.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating the incident, but refused to confirm any details, including the child’s age, gender or ethnicity.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that, following a complaint, we are investigating the strip search of a child.

“Due to the sensitivities surrounding this matter, we cannot provide any further information at this time.”

A Met Police spokesperson said: “We are fully cooperating with the IOPC following their announcement of an independent investigation into a strip search involving a child which was conducted by officers of the same gender.

“The child was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs earlier this year and taken into custody.

“Their mother was contacted by officers and brought into custody.”

They added: “The child was charged with two counts of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

“A complaint was later made to the IOPC. This was directed to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, who then voluntarily referred it back to the IOPC.”

Ch Supt Richard Tucker, said: “We know the impact such a search can have and our officers must fully consider the dignity and welfare of the person being searched.”

He added: “We appreciate the considerable public interest in and understand the concerns being raised, especially in the context of ‘Child Q’ in Hackney.

“We are engaging with our local community forums and advisory groups and to listen and respond to any specific questions and concerns they have.

“Strip searches are an authorised policing tactic which are used to protect communities from the weapons and drugs that blight our communities.

“We absolutely support scrutiny of how we police and all officers understand the importance of accountability and expect to have to justify the use of tactics and demonstrate that they are correctly and proportionately used."