Police investigated over handling of Ted Heath abuse claims

Britain's independent police watchdog has launched a formal inquiry into claims that Wiltshire police did not properly investigate allegations of sexual offences against children involving the former Conservative prime minister Sir Edward Heath.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the inquiry, linked to a wider investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse, was triggered by claims made by a retired senior police officer.

It added : "The IPCC is to investigate allegations Wiltshire police didn't pursue a prosecution when a person threatened to say Sir Edward Heath may have been involved in offences concerning children."

Mr Heath, who died aged 89 in 2005, was prime minister from 1970 to 1974. He lived in Salisbury, Wiltshire, for many years. His former home Arundells is now open to the public.

In a separate statement, the IPCC said: “In addition to this allegation, the IPCC will examine whether Wiltshire police subsequently took any steps to investigate these claims.

Wiltshire police said it was “carrying out inquiries to identify if there are any witnesses or victims who support the allegations of child sex abuse“.

1990s allegations

The force had informed the IPCC as soon as it learned about the information from the retired officer, it said, adding: “The IPCC investigation will specifically consider how the force responded to allegations when they were received in the 1990s.”

The allegations against Mr Heath centre on alleged offences against children, the force said, adding: “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 enquiries or anyone who believes they may have been a victim.

“We are working closely with the NSPCC to ensure that any victims are appropriately supported. They provide trained helpline counsellors to listen and provide assistance. We take all reports of child abuse, either current or that occurred in the past, very seriously. Victims will receive support throughout any investigation and associated judicial process.”

The fore said that if there was evidence of offences having been committed it would ensure “that, if possible, those responsible are held to account through a thorough and detailed investigation. This includes any other parties who are identified as having been involved in child sex abuse.”

Wiltshire's police and crime commissioner, Angus Macpherson, said the force had informed his office about the referral to the IPCC.

“The progress of this investigation has been monitored by my office at every stage and I am satisfied that the necessary momentum and engagement with the IPCC has been maintained by Wiltshire police since the information was received.

“It is important that the IPCC investigation is given full cooperation. I will be watching closely to see if any evidence of corruption or poor practice is uncovered.“

He added: “I would like to encourage any victims, or anyone with information which could help the investigation, to have the confidence and courage to come forward

“I want any victims of child sex abuse, whether current or historical, to know they can have confidence in the service they will receive from Wiltshire police.

Never married

Mr Heath, who was prime minister for four turbulent years, never married and was famously reticent about his private life. There have been repeated allegations of child sexual abuse in the 1970s and 80s involving senior politicians and MPs. Ministers have appointed a New Zealand judge, Justice Lowell Goddard , to head an independent inquiry into child abuse, both connected to official institutions and elsewhere. Thousands of victims are being invited to testify.

Separately, the home secretary, Theresa May, has commissioned a review into whether there had been a coverup of the Home Office‘s handling of child abuse allegations in the 80s. The report, by Peter Wanless, the chief executive of the NSPCC, concluded that this could not be proven.

The report into 114 missing Home Office files relating to child abuse in the 80s said last year there was no evidence that they were “deliberately or systematically removed or destroyed to cover up organised child abuse”.

Guardian Service