G4S has suspended nine members of staff from an immigration removal centre near Gatwick Airport, following a BBC Panorama undercover investigation. The programme says it has covert footage recorded at Brook House showing officers "mocking, abusing and assaulting" people being held there. It says it has seen "widespread self-harm and attempted suicides" in the centre, and that drug use is "rife".

G4S said it is aware of the claims and "immediately" began an investigation.The security firm said it had not been provided with recorded evidence, but added: "There is no place for the type of conduct described." Those suspended were one female nurse, six detention custody officers, and two managers, who were all male. Five other members of staff have also been placed on restrictive duties, the BBC understands. A former G4S officer, who now works for the Home Office, has also been suspended... G4S said the staff suspensions were a "precaution" but it reported the allegations to "the relevant authorities".

The chairwoman of the all party parliamentary group on refugees said the contract "should be suspended and reviewed".

A Home Office spokesman said: "We condemn any actions that put the safety or dignity of immigration removal centre detainees at risk...We are clear that all detainees should be treated with dignity and respect and we expect G4S to carry out a thorough investigation into these allegations and that all appropriate action be taken."