The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated an independent investigation following a woman’s distressing claim of being drugged and sexually assaulted while in police custody. The alleged incident reportedly occurred while the woman was detained by officers from Greater Manchester Police.

The IOPC confirmed that they received two referrals from Greater Manchester Police on Wednesday, 26 July 2023, relating to complaints made by the woman regarding her detention at Pendleton Police Station in February 2021. One of the referrals pertained to matters they previously received in May 2022, while the other contained new and previously undisclosed allegations concerning the woman’s treatment while in custody.

Catherine Bates, the regional director of the IOPC, addressed the gravity of the allegations, stating, “These very serious allegations will have undoubtedly unsettled the local community and the wider public. Their severity raises understandable concern and has the potential to undermine confidence in policing.” Given the significant media attention surrounding the case and a request from Greater Manchester Police, the IOPC deemed it necessary to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.

Ms. Bates reassured that the investigation would be thorough and conducted independently of the police. The IOPC is aware of the existence of footage documenting the woman’s detention, and this will be taken into account during the investigation.

The primary focus of the investigation will be to shed light on the nature of the woman’s interaction with the police while in custody and ascertain the events that occurred on the night in question. The IOPC’s commitment to an impartial and comprehensive examination of the case aims to ensure transparency and build public trust in the police conduct.