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Physical restraint of young people in custody should be used only as a last resort, according to a draft code of practice.

The Youth Justice Board document states that restraint should involve minimum force for the shortest possible time.

It suggests monitoring incidents and recommends that several staff should be present when a person is restrained. It says each establishment should have a complaints procedure and children should have access to independent advocacy.

A second independent inquiry into restraint was launched last September by the Howard League for Penal Reform following the case of Gareth Myatt, 15, who died after being restrained by three staff at Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre, Northampton.

The draft code is available at www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk