The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated an investigation following a woman's claim of being stripped and sexually assaulted while in custody, leading to serious

allegations against the Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The woman, aged 38, had been detained at Pendleton police station in February 2021, and her case has now prompted two referrals from GMP to the IOPC, specifically related to her complaints. According to reports by Sky News, she was held in custody for a staggering 40 hours, during which three hours of footage capturing her detainment went missing. Moreover, her medical records indicated evidence of sexual injuries, further escalating the gravity of her allegations.

This incident is part of a larger concern, as two other women have accused GMP of conducting unjustified strip searches after arrest. Mayor Andy Burnham has addressed these allegations, describing them as "serious and distressing."

In response to the situation, GMP has firmly denied any wrongdoing by its staff. However, in light of the severity of the allegations and their potential to erode public confidence in policing, the IOPC has taken significant action. Initially receiving a re-referral of the matter in May 2022, which they had instructed GMP to investigate locally, the IOPC subsequently received another referral containing new allegations about the woman's treatment in custody that had not been brought to their attention before.

Catherine Bates, the regional director of the IOPC, expressed the gravity of the situation and its impact on the local community and the wider public. As a result of new information and media attention, as well as a request from GMP, the IOPC has decided that an independent investigation is necessary to address the allegations.

The IOPC has also confirmed that they are aware of footage capturing the woman's detention, which has been widely circulated, and they will be seeking access to all available video evidence to support their inquiries. The investigation, conducted independently of the police, will scrutinize the nature of the woman's interaction with the police while in custody and seek to understand the events that transpired on the night in question.

To ensure transparency and communication, the IOPC has reached out to the woman involved, explaining their role in the investigation and assuring her of updates as their inquiries progress. Photo by Ian Roberts, Wikimedia commons.