Police warned by prisoner watchdog

Police officers admitted that cell conditions were poor

Police in Wales have been criticised by Europe's anti-torture watchdog for their alleged ill-treatment of suspects.

The Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) said the claims were made by a number of young inmates interviewed in south Wales.

The CPT has recommended that the UK authorities deliver ... the clear message that the ill-treatment of detained persons is not acceptable

CPT Report

The delegation also found dirty conditions in Cardiff Central Police Station.

South Wales Police said it had not seen the report, but insisted that all complaints of ill-treatment would be "thoroughly investigated".

The CPT said it found a "noticeable gulf" in standards between England and Wales.

Its report noted: "In the prison establishments visited in or around London, the delegation heard no allegations of ill-treatment by the police.

"By contrast, a number of young persons interviewed separately at both Parc Prison (in Bridgend) and Hillside Secure Centre (in Neath) alleged that they had been ill-treated by police officers in different parts of Wales."

Cells at Cardiff Central police station were "dirty"

The delegation regularly visits the UK but this visit, in February 2001, was the first time it had been to Wales.

Other complaints against Welsh police forces included claims that officers had delayed or obstructed access to legal advice.

The delegation also found the conditions of cells at Cardiff Central police station to be "dirty and poorly ventilated."

And it said some of the people interviewed - including police officers - said similar conditions existed in other police stations in Wales.

The delegation urged police and government departments to make sure that arrested people were held in appropriate conditions.

"In previous reports, the CPT has recommended that the UK authorities deliver the clear message that the ill-treatment of detained persons is not acceptable and will be severely sanctioned if it occurs.

The delegation spoke to inmates at Parc Prison

"The CPT recommends that such a message and reminder be given to police forces in Wales at the earliest opportunity."

South Wales Police said it had not seen the report and was unable to comment on the specific allegations raised.

But a spokesman for the force said it "will not tolerate any assault or ill-treatment of persons in police custody and members of the public should be reassured that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated.

A Home Office spokesman said chief constables in Wales were anxious to make it clear that "inappropriate treatment" of detained people was not acceptable.

He added that all Welsh police forces were reviewing their detention facilities.

Frances Crook, director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said the allegations were "very worrying".

She urged local police authorities to be vigilant for any repeat of the problems highlighted in the report.