Sadiq Khan calls arrest of female immigrant who reported rape 'unacceptable'

Unnamed woman attended a police station in London to report being kidnapped and abused during time she spent in Germany

Scotland Yard said it had referred the rape investigation to German authorities (Getty)

The Metropolitan Police has faced a backlash from London mayor Sadiq Khan after it arrested an alleged rape victim over her immigration status.

The unnamed woman, in her 20s, attended a police station in London to report being kidnapped and abused during time she spent in Germany, before arriving in the UK.

While giving a victim statement, she told officers she had entered Britain illegally before being taken to a centre for rape survivors.

She was then arrested on suspicion of illegal entry into the UK and taken into custody.

Mr Khan said it was “a completely unacceptable way to treat victims”.

The woman was issued with a notice giving her temporary leave to remain in the UK on the condition she notifies officials of her whereabouts, but without legal permission to live in Britain she could be detained and deported at any time.

The deputy mayor for policing and crime, Sophie Linden, said the arrest could hinder further operations if victims feel they cannot come forward.

“This is an extremely troubling case, which risks discouraging other individuals from coming forward and reporting very serious crimes. We have raised the issue with the Met, and continue to work closely with the police and the Havens to ensure victims have the confidence to come forward and report,” Ms Linden said.

“Victims of sexual abuse or exploitation have already suffered unimaginable distress at the hands of their perpetrators, and the Havens are an invaluable asset as we strive to improve the support available to all victims to help them cope, recover and find justice.

If victims – whatever their circumstances – don’t have the confidence to come forward and report crimes, we cannot catch the perpetrators who can continue to offend, and justice is not done,” she added.

The Independent contacted the Met for comment.

The force said on Tuesday that its specialist sexual offences unit had referred the allegations of rape and kidnap to German authorities following the complaint in March.