Police force is chosen to oversee Heath abuse claim investigation
WILTSHIRE Police will over see any national investigation into child sex allegations against the late Sir Edward Heath.
At least seven forces are investigating abuse allegations involving the former prime minister.
Wiltshire Police said it has been agreed that it will “lead the national oversight and coordination of any investigations into Sir Edward Heath”.
Operation Hydrant, a national hub coordinating inquiries into historic abuse, has been liaising with forces that received information concerning Sir Edward.
A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “This decision has been taken following consultation between Operation Hydrant and affected forces and is based on operational considerations.
“The appointment of a lead force is to ensure that a consistent approach is adopted across the police forces concerned and to avoid duplication.”
Wiltshire Police was at the centre of the revelations last week that saw Sir Edward become the highest-profile figure to be embroiled in historic paedophile allegations.
The Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation said: “We welcome the investigation by Wiltshire Police, which we wholeheartedly believe will clear Sir Edward’s name, and we will co-operate fully with the police in their inquiries.”
Sir Edward died at home in Salisbury in July 2005.