Kids Company Children's Charity In Police Probe

Kids Company, a charity that supports vulnerable children, is being investigated over "allegations of crime", police have said.

A statement said: "The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has today, Thursday, 30 July, commenced an investigation into a number of allegations of crime involving a children's charity.

"The investigation is being led by officers from the Complex Case Team of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command."

The charity, founded in 1996, says it provides "practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children, young people and families".

Its services reach 36,000 people in London, Bristol and Liverpool, according to its website, providing a "safe, caring, family environment".

BuzzFeed News said the police investigation started after it - and BBC Newsnight - conducted interviews with two former workers at the charity.

It said the statements "raised active child protection concerns".

BuzzFeed also claimed the allegations - which relate to two centres between 2008 and 2012 - were not properly reported at the time and suggest there could be "a large catalogue of unreported crimes and many young people in need of counselling and support".

In a statement to Sky News, Kids Company said it was "co-operating fully with the Police to assist the investigation into what it understands to be historical but serious allegations".

"Kids Company's first priority is the safety and security of all the children, young people and adults we support and protect.

"The organisation operates robust policies and procedures that ensure all Kids Company's clients are protected and that staff work safely with clients at all times.

"Kids Company's policies and procedures are externally reviewed regularly by expert consultants and are governed by a risk sub-committee comprised of senior clinicians and representatives from the board of trustees.

"All allegations of criminal behaviour regarding Kids Company employees and clients are immediately reported to the police."

The charity's founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, announced she was stepping down earlier this month amid a funding crisis.

At the time, she told Sky News she was not quitting because of the crisis, but had intended to go anyway.

She said her departure was being used to distract from cuts in spending on children.

"We have received 19 years of clear audits ... so these allegations that the charity's poorly run are absolutely inaccurate," said Ms Batmanghelidjh.

"I think what's happened is I've repeatedly raised the alarm about child protection issues and because I've been vocal and challenged Government I've just been a difficult person to have around and not compliant, and I think they find that difficult to tolerate."

The Government provides a large chunk of the charity's funding but is reportedly withholding £3m until a new structure is set up.

:: Anyone who has information or concerns is asked to contact the investigating team on 0208 217 6538, or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.