UK: Metropolitan Police investigates Kids Company charity

The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into allegations of crime involving children's charity Kids Company.

The investigations started after a former employee of the charity gave an interview to BBC Newsnight alleging a number of serious incidents took place at two of the charity sites that were not reported to the police.

After an expert was consulted, it was advised that the safety of young people might have been compromised at the charity sites, reported BBC News.

"The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has today, (30 July) commenced an investigation into a number of allegations of crime involving a children's charity," read a police statement, reported Sky News.

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

Kids Company, founded in 1996 and headed by Camila Batmanghelidjh, supports vulnerable children across London, Bristol and Liverpool.

Batmanghelidjh, the charity's chief executive, has denied all allegations that the charity has been mismanaged.

"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," read a statement from the charity.

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

"All allegations of misconduct between Kids Company employees and clients are immediately reported to the police if required."

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

Batmanghelidjh announced earlier in July that she will be leaving the charity.