CHARITIES hit out at police forces today for strip-searching children as a “shameful” report highlighted that black kids are six times more likely to be subjected to the act.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza’s report showed that between 2018 and mid-2022 across England and Wales, 42 per cent of children searched were white, 38 per cent were black, 14 per cent were Asian.

Compared with national population figures, white children were disproportionately less likely to be searched — around half as likely — while black children were six times more likely.

The breakdown of searches by ethnicity in the research shows that “black children are disproportionately represented and subjected to this traumatising and intrusive practice,” the Children’s Society said.

Its head of systematic impact, Sarah Wayman, said: “Police leaders and the government need to urgently investigate why so many children are still being strip-searched despite clear national guidance which states that this should happen only when absolutely necessary, and with an appropriate adult present.

“It’s vital that guidance and training for officers is reviewed to ensure that when police officers come into contact with children, their first priority is about identifying the risks of exploitation and working with other services to offer protection and help.”

The Runnymede Trust called for police powers to strip-search children to be revoked.

The race equality think tank said that children “are being failed by the state institutions there to protect them” and noted the timing of the report, coming not long after a damning review of the Metropolitan Police concluded the force is institutionally racist, misogynist and homophobic.

Among its recommendations, the report said the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) should publish an action plan on reforming stop-and-search practices, including strip-searches, of children.

NPCC lead for the ethics and integrity portfolio, chief constable Craig Guildford, said it will “carefully consider the findings” of the report.

A Home Office spokesperson said that the Independent Office for Police Conduct is currently investigating several high-profile incidents.

The watchdog said that it shares concerns about the “widespread and serious failing across police forces” and that it will work with policing bodies, including on a lack of clear legislation.

Policing minister Chris Philips said that he will be taking up the findings with the police.