The police watchdog is to
investigate whether officers failed to pursue allegations of child abuse
made against former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath.
A retired detective has alleged that claims were made in the 1990s but not followed up.
The
Independent Police Complaints Commission will also look at whether a
case was dropped when a person involved made the claims against Sir
Edward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
The inquiry was opened after claims made by a retired senior officer were referred to the IPCC by Wiltshire Police.
'Never spoken out'
Sir Edward died at his home in Salisbury in 2005 aged 89.
An
IPCC spokesman said: "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."
Media captionSupt Sean Memory: "I would actively encourage people to come forward"
In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: "Sir Edward Heath has been named in relation to offences concerning children.
"He
lived in Salisbury for many years and we would like to hear from anyone
who has any relevant information that may assist us in our inquiries or
anyone who believes they may have been a victim.
"Some people may
never have spoken out about the abuse they have suffered but we would
urge them to please contact us and to not suffer in silence."
The
Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, which operates the museum at
Arundells, his home in Salisbury, said it welcomed the investigation.
"We
wholeheartedly believe (it) will clear Sir Edward's name and we will
co-operate fully with the police in their enquiries," a spokesman said.
Sir Edward led the 1970-1974 Conservative government and took Britain into what was then the European Economic Community.
His time in power was beset by industrial action and economic difficulties that forced him to introduce a three-day week.
He
lost his leadership of the party to Margaret Thatcher in 1975 -
something he never forgave her for and he refused to serve in her
cabinet.
In his later years he became the Father of the House of Commons, the longest-serving MP.
He was a successful author, an avid art-collector and a world-class yachtsman.
If you would like to speak to the BBC about any of the issues raised in this story you can do so by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk Anything you tell us will be treated in confidence.
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