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Edward Heath 'child sex abuse' allegation: Wiltshire Police appeal for possible victims to come forward | Edward Heath 'child sex abuse' allegation: Wiltshire Police appeal for possible victims to come forward |
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Wiltshire Police is urging any possible witnesses or victims of child sexual abuse relating to Sir Edward Heath to come forward, as investigations into allegations surrounding the former Prime Minister begin. | Wiltshire Police is urging any possible witnesses or victims of child sexual abuse relating to Sir Edward Heath to come forward, as investigations into allegations surrounding the former Prime Minister begin. |
Police admitted the former Prime Minister, who had a home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was the subject of a child sex abuse claim on Monday as the police watchdog announced it is investigating Wilshire Police’s handling of the claim in the 1990s. | Police admitted the former Prime Minister, who had a home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was the subject of a child sex abuse claim on Monday as the police watchdog announced it is investigating Wilshire Police’s handling of the claim in the 1990s. |
Sir Edward, the Conservative Prime Minister who led the country for four years in the 1970s, is the highest profile figure to be named in allegations of historic child sexual abuse. | Sir Edward, the Conservative Prime Minister who led the country for four years in the 1970s, is the highest profile figure to be named in allegations of historic child sexual abuse. |
It has been 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,” the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) stated. | It has been 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,” the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) stated. |
The allegation was made by a retired senior policeman, the watchdog said. | The allegation was made by a retired senior policeman, the watchdog said. |
In addition to the IPCC’s investigation into the handling of the claim, it will examine whether Wiltshire Police subsequently took any steps to investigate the claims. | In addition to the IPCC’s investigation into the handling of the claim, it will examine whether Wiltshire Police subsequently took any steps to investigate the claims. |
Wiltshire Police is appealing for people to come forward with any relevant information that could assist in the current enquiries, in addition for any possible witnesses or victims to speak to the police. | Wiltshire Police is appealing for people to come forward with any relevant information that could assist in the current enquiries, in addition for any possible witnesses or victims to speak to the police. |
“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. | “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. |
“If there is evidence of offences having been committed we will 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.“ | “If there is evidence of offences having been committed we will 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 Police stressed that it is working with the NSPCC to ensure that any victims are appropriately supported and urged people not to suffer in silence. | Wiltshire Police stressed that it is working with the NSPCC to ensure that any victims are appropriately supported and urged people not to suffer in silence. |