Met Police boss offers 'full apology' to Lord Brittan's widow

Scotland Yard chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe offered a "full apology" to the widow of Lord Brittan, the former home secretary's family have revealed.

The Metropolitan Police commissioner met Lady Brittan to discuss the force's handling of a historical rape allegation against her husband.

In a statement on Tuesday, the family of the late politician said: "Lady Brittan met the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, at a private meeting earlier this afternoon.

"At the start of the meeting Sir Bernard offered Lady Brittan a full apology on behalf of the force, which she accepted.

"Lady Brittan went on to ask and table some 30 questions regarding the two police enquiries as they related to Lord Brittan.

"Sir Bernard promised to answer them in writing and Lady Brittan and the family await his response.

"Lady Brittan and the family have nothing further to add at least until they have received Sir Bernard's written response."

Britain's largest police force has come under fire over its handling of the claim that Lord Brittan raped a 19-year-old woman known as "Jane" in 1967.

He died in January last year without being told he would not face any action over the claim.