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MIGRANT ABUSE PROBE

Where is Brook House immigration centre, who runs it and how many people are held there?

A PRIVATELY run immigration detention centre is in chaos over allegations of abuse and assault highlighted by the BBC's Panorama team.

Undercover footage allegedly shows staff mocking and abusing inmates at Brook House, leading to nine workers being suspended. Here is what we know...

 G4S runs Brook House, an immigration centre just yards from Gatwick Airport's runway
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G4S runs Brook House, an immigration centre just yards from Gatwick Airport's runwayCredit: PA:Press Association

What is Brook House and where is it?

Brook House immigration removal centre is a detention facility in the grounds of Gatwick airport in Sussex.

It is one of 11 centres housing people suspected of being in the country illegally - either by unauthorised entry or by overstaying on a visa - and inmates who are due to be deported.

Many are asylum seekers who are held while their claims are being processed.

Others are criminals who are transferred from prison at the end of their sentences before being sent back to their home countries.

Detainees are held until they are deported from the UK or until immigration authorities decide they can be released into the community.

Brook House can house up to 508 men with security equivalent to a Category B prison.

It offers a range of activities and leisure facilities including a gym, an arts and crafts room, a music room, a library and computer rooms.

Who runs Brook House?

International security firm G4S runs Brook House on behalf of the Home Office.

G4S also manages the Tinsley House immigration removal centre, also at Gatwick.

Similar facilities around the country are run by HM Prison Service or other private security firms.

 G4S said it is investigating the alleged abuse uncovered by the BBC's Panorama team
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G4S said it is investigating the alleged abuse uncovered by the BBC's Panorama teamCredit: Getty - Contributor

What has happened at Brook House and what did Panorama film there?

Brook House has had a chequered history since it opened in 2009.

A year later in 2010, inspectors found the facility was "fundamentally unsafe" and had produced the "worst ever results".

Embattled staff struggled to control large numbers of foreign inmates, and drug abuse, self-harm and assaults on staff were rife, a report found.

Earlier this year it emerged four men had been held for more than two years at the facility, which is meant for short term detention.

The average stay had increased from 28 days to 48 days, and 23 men had been held for more than a year.

Despite its problems, the latest inspection report said the centre was "reasonably good" overall and blamed the Home Office for delays in making decisions.

On Friday G4S suspended nine workers - a female nurse, and six detention custody officers and two managers, who were all male - ahead of a Panorama expose on conditions inside Brook House.

A Home Office official was also suspended in relation to allegations of "chaos, incompetence and abuse".

Former custody officer Callum Tulley secretly recorded footage that the BBC says shows staff "mocking, abusing and assaulting" detainees.

The programme makers also claim they uncovered Shocking failures in safety including "widespread self-harm and attempted suicides" as failed asylum seekers are sharing cells with violent criminals.

G4S said it launched an immediate investigation. The company's Jerry Petherick said: “There is no place for the type of conduct described in the allegations anywhere in G4S.

"Such behaviour is not representative of the many G4S colleagues who do a great job, often in difficult and challenging circumstances, across the country.

We have not yet been provided with the recorded evidence which forms the basis of the allegations and it is inappropriate for me to pre-judge the outcome of our investigation.

"Once we have seen the evidence and concluded the investigation, I will ensure that we take the appropriate action.

"We continue to focus on the care and wellbeing of detainees at Brook House.”

Panorama - Undercover: Britain's Immigration Secrets is on BBC One at 9pm on Monday September 4

 

 


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