Call for more transparency over suspects

Police should reveal more information about suspects, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said in response to allegations the authorities have tried to “cover up" alleged offences by asylum seekers.

- 

She said guidance to police was already being examined but it was an “operational decision” for forces and the Crown Prosecution Service over what information to release.

The College of Policing said transparency is “essential to prevent misinformation”.

The issue has been the subject of fierce debate in a series of high-profile cases, including recently over the charging of two men - reported to be Afghan asylum seekers - over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton.