Sir Edward Heath intelligence passed on to Wiltshire Police

A police force has found no evidence to link Sir Edward Heath to a crime in its area.

However, North Yorkshire Police said it had passed a "piece of intelligence" to the force leading inquiries into the former prime minister.

A spokesman said: "Following a comprehensive search of force systems, North Yorkshire Police can confirm that nothing was found to designate Edward Heath as either a suspect or a victim of crime in North Yorkshire.

"One piece of intelligence held in relation to Mr Heath, though not connected to the North Yorkshire area, has been passed to Wiltshire Police as the force leading the investigation into the deceased former prime minister."

A Wiltshire police spokeswoman said it was aware of North Yorkshire's announcement but added: "It is not something we would discuss."

Earlier this month Sir Edward became one of the most high-profile figures to be embroiled in historical child sex claims.

North Yorkshire Police previously confirmed it is checking its records for any mention of the late politician after a photograph emerged of him meeting Peter Jaconelli, a suspected paedophile and friend of Jimmy Savile.

Seven police forces are carrying out investigations linked to abuse allegations against Sir Edward.

Wiltshire Police has been appointed to oversee inquiries. The force is also facing a corruption probe over its handling of claims involving Sir Edward in the 1990s.

Former friends and colleagues of Sir Edward rallied to defend his reputation in the wake of the allegations.

The former MP, who led the Conservative government between 1970 and 1974, died at home in Salisbury aged 89 in July 2005.