Updated - Sussex Police fully supports IPCC investigation into the treatment of an 11-year-old disabled girl

08 February 2013

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is carrying out an investigation into Sussex Police's treatment of an 11-year-old girl.

Officers came into contact with the girl, who suffers from Smith-Magenis Syndrome, a genetic condition with symptoms similar to autism. On five occasions she was physically restrained and on four of these she was also arrested and taken into custody.

Police arrested the girl four times in 2012:  under the Mental Health Act on 9 February; for assault on 16 February; for a public order offence on 29 February and for criminal damage on 2 March. The IPCC is investigating the circumstances of these arrests.

A police spokesman said: "We take our responsiblity for any use of force very seriously particularly when it involves young people or those who are disabled.

"Given the unusual circumstances of the case and that is it being independently investigated  we cannot go into full detail until the conclusion of the investigation. We welcome the IPCC's scrutiny and we fully support its investigation."