G4S to run rape and sex support centres in the Midlands

Move comes in the wake of the London Olympics security embarrassment and two days after chief Nick Buckles quits

G4S, the private security firm that was criticised for its lack of organisation during the London 2012 Olympics, has won a contract to run a two rape and sex attack centres in the Midlands.

The firm will manage a sexual assault referral centre on Birmingham's Castle Vale estate and another in Walsall, where trained crisis workers will offer a range of support services without victims having to go to police first.

G4S - the world's third biggest private employer - came under fire during last year's games when soldiers were called away from leave after it failed to hire enough security guards.

Gary Green, G4S managing director of forensic medical services, told the Birmingham Mail: “G4S has been providing these kinds of medical services in the UK since 2005 and we are pleased to have been appointed to deliver this service in the West Midlands.

“The firm has worked with the NHS and police to create a service which delivers the very highest standards of care, while helping the police to protect the evidence they may need later to secure a conviction."

The contract for the services, which were previously led by police, runs for three years and was commissioned by Birmingham Solihull and the Black Country NHS Team.

The announcement comes two days after G4S chief Nick Buckles stood down, pocketing £16m in shares and a pension.