Loss adjusters Capita McLaren issued a press statement today regarding its damage claims after the fire and riot last week at Yarl's Wood Detention Centre.
They confirmed that under the instruction of their client - Lloyd's Syndicate DJ Pye 962 - they have issued notification of a claim under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 to the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire police.
This act enables individuals and businesses to sue the police over damage caused during civil disturbances.
Capita said this was "standard business procedure to alert the police of the insurer's intention to pursue compensation where damage has occurred due to riot."
In earlier BBC reports the event was said to have caused an estimated £38m damage which the insurers were seeking to recoup.
The Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire, Alistair Burt, showed his disapproval of the action, saying: "If this is the law of insurance, then I am a banana."
