THE findings of a report into the experiences of women and girls arrested and taken into custody by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) must drive urgent change, its author said yesterday.

Former victims’ commissioner for England and Wales Dame Vera Baird carried out the review after being asked by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham following reports by three women who accused GMP of unjustified strip searches after being arrested.

GMP has previously denied any wrongdoing by its staff.

Dame Vera who makes recommendations for consideration both within the force and nationally, said: “I hope that my inquiry and this report will drive change where it is — sometimes urgently — required in GMP.”

She recommends that strip-searching be severely limited, properly regulated and fully recorded, and that custody officers should be reminded of their responsibilities for the accuracy and completeness of custody records.

In recalling her strip search, a woman given the name Maria to preserve her anonymity told the inquiry: “The only reason they did what they did was to degrade me … If I was a man, I don’t think they would’ve done it.

“I was treated like a piece of meat.”