Four Metropolitan Police officers are under investigation over the arrest and detention of a 15-year-old girl who was later strip-searched.

A police sergeant and three constables have been served misconduct notices by police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The girl was detained at Walworth Police Station in Kennington, south London, on 11 December 2020.

The incident happened shortly after another 15-year-old, a black girl identified only as Child Q, was strip-searched at a school in east London.

Child Q was searched by two female officers without any other adults present and with the knowledge she was on her period.

Four Metropolitan Police constables were served gross misconduct notices in relation to the incident, which prompted outrage among the public and politicians.

The investigation into their conduct is ongoing, the IOPC told Sky News on Thursday.

Complaints against officers must be ‘taken more seriously’ to stop next David Carrick, says police chief

David Carrick: Rapist PC case ‘absolutely despicable’, Rishi Sunak tells Met Police chief

David Carrick: Timeline of Met Police’s missed opportunities to stop serial rapist

The mother of the girl detained in December 2020 came forward after publicity about Child Q.

The IOPC launched an investigation after the complaint was received in May 2022.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Read more on the Metropolitan Police:

Watchdog ‘concerned’ by cases of child strip-searches by Met officers
David Carrick: Rapist PC case ‘absolutely despicable’, Rishi Sunak tells Met Police chief
Two retired Met officers charged over child sex abuse images
David Carrick victim describes months of physical and mental abuse

In a statement seen by Sky News, the watchdog said of the incident: “We can confirm that four Metropolitan Police Service officers have been served misconduct notices as part of our ongoing investigation.

“A police sergeant and three police constables have been served notices in relation to the arrest and detention of the child, who was strip searched by MPS officers.

“Our investigation began following a referral in May 2022.

“The serving of misconduct notices does not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow.

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

Scotland Yard told Sky News the officers remain in post and have not been placed on restricted duties or suspended.

A spokesperson for the force said: “All of the officers were served with notices at misconduct, rather than gross misconduct.

“Restrictions are not sought in misconduct only cases.”

Related posts:

Almost 70,000 COVID lockdown fines handed out, with steep rise since Christmas COVID alert level downgraded as threat of NHS being overwhelmed recedes UK records 25,161 new COVID-19 cases and 37 more deaths, daily figures show Heroes’ welcome in UK for Team GB after an Olympic Games like no other What is the law on migrant crossings and what is Priti Patel trying to change? UK records 335 more coronavirus-related deaths and 109,133 new cases, daily figures show Mother suffering from severe mental illness admits killing two-year-old son Prince Andrew arrives with Queen at Prince Philip’s memorial service Fingerprints ‘confirm identity’ of man accused of rape and faking his own death, court told Inflation expected to return to double figures – as new chancellor finds ways to claw back funds At least 45 baby deaths could have been avoided at two Kent hospitals Senior adviser to Truss suspended pending investigation