Charities demand inquiry into Heathrow immigration centre conditions

Home secretary urged to investigate after detainees' protests over their treatment during power outage

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Detention charities have called on Suella Braverman to launch an urgent independent investigation into the disturbances at a Heathrow immigration removal centre over the weekend following a power cut.

In a letter sent to Braverman, the home secretary, and to senior Home Office officials on Tuesday, the charities Bail For Immigration Detainees and Medical Justice said the investigation should be launched without delay to find out exactly what had happened and to ascertain the conditions the detainees encountered when deprived of electricity, heating, running water and toilet facilities after the power cut.