IPCC investigates Sussex Police treatment of disabled 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 February 9, for assault on February 16, for a public order offence on February 29 and for criminal damage on March 2.

The IPCC is investigating the circumstances of these arrests.

A police spokesman said: “We take our responsibility 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.”