London police stopped five under-10s a day in 2008, says Scotland Yard report

London, Aug.19 (ANI): Nearly 2,000 children aged under 10 were stopped by members of Britain's largest police force last year, according to figures from Scotland Yard.

According to a report by The Independent, that means that at least five children aged ten or less were stopped for questioning.

Of the 1,954 stopped, 1,715 were boys and 239 girls.

Children under 10 are under the age of criminal responsibility in Britain.

The new statistics came to light after a mother, Sandra Shepherd, 40, complained that her nine-year-old son Jadan was stopped and searched by officers in Camberwell, south London, while out with his older brother and friends. A senior officer confirmed police are investigating a formal complaint about the incident.

Officers searched Jadan under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).

This allows police to search anyone they believe is carrying a weapon or anyone in the area of a violent attack.

A detailed breakdown of figures for 2008 revealed 115 under-10s were stopped and searched by officers using section 60 powers. Officers also used section 44 of the Terrorism act 2000 to stop 58 under-10s.

Jenny Jones, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said police must tackle crime without alienating the public but questioned whether searching children as young as nine was an appropriate or effective use of police resources.

Lambeth Police Superintendent David Musker said: "I confirm this matter has been reported to the Directorate of Professional Standards and will be investigated." (ANI)