Where a constable has reasonable cause to believe that a child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm, he may—
For the purposes of this Act, a child with respect to whom a constable has exercised his powers under this section is referred to as having been taken into police protection.
As soon as is reasonably practicable after taking a child into police protection, the constable concerned shall—
As soon as is reasonably practicable after taking a child into police protection, the constable concerned shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to inform—
of the steps that he has taken under this section with respect to the child, the reasons for taking them and the further steps that may be taken with respect to him under this section.
On completing any inquiry under subsection (3)(e), the officer conducting it shall release the child from police protection unless he considers that there is still reasonable cause for believing that the child would be likely to suffer significant harm if released.
No child may be kept in police protection for more than 72 hours.
While a child is being kept in police protection, the designated officer may apply on behalf of the appropriate authority for an emergency protection order to be made under section 44 with respect to the child.
An application may be made under subsection (7) whether or not the authority know of it or agree to its being made.
While a child is being kept in police protection—
Where a child has been taken into police protection, the designated officer shall allow—
to have such contact (if any) with the child as, in the opinion of the designated officer, is both reasonable and in the child's best interests.
Where a child who has been taken into police protection is in accommodation provided by, or on behalf of, the appropriate authority, subsection (10) shall have effect as if it referred to the authority rather than to the designated officer.