Calls for public inquiry into abuses at Manston asylum centre in Kent

Legal challenge comes as police confirm investigations into allegations of assaults by guards

Lawyers and human rights campaigners are calling for a public inquiry into abuse and other mistreatment at Manston, the controversial Kent processing centre for small boat arrivals, after it emerged that police were investigating allegations of assault.

A legal challenge calling for a public inquiry has been launched by Duncan Lewis solicitors amid claims from asylum seekers that ill treatment was “systemic”, that staff were involved in abuse and that there were significant failures of planning and management at Manston.