Scotland Yard 'probes child sex abuse claims against Sir Edward Heath'

Sir Edward Heath is being investigated by Scotland Yard over child sex abuse allegations, according to reports.

The former Prime Minister is being looked at as part of Operation Midland, an inquiry into claims a VIP paedophile ring operated in the 1970s and 1980s, according to the BBC.

On Monday it emerged that the police watchdog was investigating allegations that a prosecution against an individual was shelved after a threat was made to "expose" the late politician.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is also looking into whether Wiltshire Police followed up a claim against Sir Edward made in the 1990s.

The force has issued an appeal for potential victims to come forward, while a man claimed he was raped at the age of 12 by the former PM.