Edward Heath 'child sex abuse claims': Full statement by the IPCC
The force is accused of not pursing a case against former Prime Minister Edward Heath
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The handling of a child sex abuse claim by Wiltshire Police involving former prime minister Sir Edward Heath is to be investigated by watchdogs.
The force is to be probed after allegations made by a retired senior officer were referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC):
This is the IPCC statement on the inquiry in full:
"The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to investigate allegations concerning Wiltshire Police’s handling of an alleged claim of child sexual abuse made in the 1990s.
"It is alleged that a criminal prosecution was not pursued, when a person threatened to expose that Sir Edward Heath may have been involved in offences concerning children. In addition to this allegation, the IPCC will examine whether Wiltshire Police subsequently took any steps to investigate these claims.
"The allegations were referred to the IPCC by Wiltshire Police following allegations made by a retired senior officer."