WESTON MP John Penrose is calling for a review of DNA data retention as more than 1,200 children, never convicted of a crime, in Avon and North Somerset have a DNA profile on the national DNA database. DNA is taken by the police whenever someone is arrest

WESTON MP John Penrose is calling for a review of DNA data retention as more than 1,200 children, never convicted of a crime, in Avon and North Somerset have a DNA profile on the national DNA database.DNA is taken by the police whenever someone is arrested, even if they are not charged, cautioned or convicted of an offence.Mr Penrose has written to the chief constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Colin Port, asking him to review the retention of the data.Mr Penrose said: "How many people know that either their or their children's DNA has been retained even though they have not been convicted? How many even know that they have the right to ask for its removal."Mr Penrose wants the constabulary to notify people who have not been convicted of a crime that their genetic information is on a database and to be told how to get their information deleted.More than 67,000 people have a DNA profile on the national DNA database taken by Avon and Somerset Constabulary.Police spokesman Ian Drury said: "The concerns and questions John has raised are currently being looked into and a response will be sent to him direct in due course.