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Sir Edward Heath abuse probe report to be published Sir Edward Heath abuse report to be published
(35 minutes later)
A police report on sexual abuse claims against Sir Edward Heath is expected to be published later.A police report on sexual abuse claims against Sir Edward Heath is expected to be published later.
Wiltshire Police launched Operation Conifer two years ago after the former Conservative prime minister was accused of historical child sex abuse.Wiltshire Police launched Operation Conifer two years ago after the former Conservative prime minister was accused of historical child sex abuse.
The BBC understands the investigation has concluded that if Sir Edward were still alive, there would have been sufficient grounds to question him. The BBC understands the investigation has concluded that if Sir Edward was still alive, there would have been sufficient grounds to question him.
Sir Edward, who led a Tory government in the 1970s, died in 2005, aged 89.Sir Edward, who led a Tory government in the 1970s, died in 2005, aged 89.
Last year, the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Mike Veale, said his officers had examined a "significant" number of allegations against Sir Edward Heath from a "significant" number of people.Last year, the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Mike Veale, said his officers had examined a "significant" number of allegations against Sir Edward Heath from a "significant" number of people.
BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said most of the complainants were male and were children at the time of the alleged abuse.BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said most of the complainants were male and were children at the time of the alleged abuse.
It is understood investigators have discounted some allegations and identified inconsistencies in the accounts of other complainants, our correspondent said.It is understood investigators have discounted some allegations and identified inconsistencies in the accounts of other complainants, our correspondent said.
However, detectives believe they have found grounds to suspect the late prime minster of an offence in about six cases for which he would probably have been interviewed under police caution if he were alive, he added. However, detectives believe they have found grounds to suspect the former prime minster of an offence in about six cases for which he would probably have been interviewed under police caution if he was alive, he added.
As part of the £1.3m investigation, two people were arrested and released. There have been no charges.As part of the £1.3m investigation, two people were arrested and released. There have been no charges.
Ahead of the "closure" report's publication, Sir Edward's godson said he believed the investigation was flawed and called for an inquiry into the police's handling of the abuse claims. Ahead of the "closure" report's publication, Sir Edward's godson said he believed the investigation was flawed and called for a judicial inquiry into the police's handling of the abuse claims.
Lincoln Seligman, who knew Sir Edward for 50 years, said: "My suspicion is that we will learn nothing from the report except innuendo and that really takes nobody any further forward, except it leaves a dark stain over a man who can't defend himself." Lincoln Seligman, who knew Sir Edward for 50 years, said: "If you make a mass appeal for victims you are sure to get them, whether they are legitimate or not.
Other friends of Sir Edward's have also criticised the investigation, and a psychologist who advised detectives claimed it was based on the allegations of a handful of fantasists. "A proper investigation should have taken place, but that's not what happened," he told Radio 4's Today programme.
One of Sir Edward's closest advisers told the BBC that the former Conservative leader was "completely asexual". "We had really quite a close relationship... and I think I did know him very well.
Lord Armstrong of Ilminster said he "never felt a whiff of sexuality about Ted Heath, whether it was in relation to women, men or children". "Our thinking is that he will be completely exonerated but I fear, even if he is, that damage has been done and that seems grossly unfair."
During the course of the lengthy investigation, the police have defended their response, with Chief Constable Veale insisting Operation Conifer was neither a "fishing trip" nor a "witch-hunt".
The findings will be passed to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Sir Edward, who lived in Salisbury, Wiltshire, led the Conservative government from 1970 to 1974.
Who was Ted Heath?Who was Ted Heath?
1950: Heath becomes Conservative MP for Bexley in south-east London, a seat he will represent for 50 years1950: Heath becomes Conservative MP for Bexley in south-east London, a seat he will represent for 50 years
1965: He takes over as Conservative Party leader - the first in modern times who is not from an upper-class background1965: He takes over as Conservative Party leader - the first in modern times who is not from an upper-class background
1970: Heath defies expectations to beat his great rival, Labour's Harold Wilson, in a general election1970: Heath defies expectations to beat his great rival, Labour's Harold Wilson, in a general election
1973: He fulfils his long-held ambition of taking Britain into the European Community1973: He fulfils his long-held ambition of taking Britain into the European Community
1974: Heath calls a general election, which results in a hung parliament, with Labour's Wilson winning a majority in a second election later that year1974: Heath calls a general election, which results in a hung parliament, with Labour's Wilson winning a majority in a second election later that year
1975: Margaret Thatcher ousts Heath as party leader, a betrayal he never forgives her for1975: Margaret Thatcher ousts Heath as party leader, a betrayal he never forgives her for
1990: Heath comes face to face with Saddam Hussein to get British hostages released during the Gulf War1990: Heath comes face to face with Saddam Hussein to get British hostages released during the Gulf War
Other friends of Sir Edward's have also criticised the investigation, and a psychologist who advised detectives claimed it was based on the allegations of a handful of fantasists.
One of Sir Edward's closest advisers told the BBC that the former Conservative leader was "completely asexual".
Lord Armstrong of Ilminster said he "never felt a whiff of sexuality about Ted Heath, whether it was in relation to women, men or children".
During the course of the lengthy investigation, the police have defended their response, with Chief Constable Veale insisting Operation Conifer was neither a "fishing trip" nor a "witch-hunt".
Former Scotland Yard detective Clive Driscoll, who was approached with an allegation about Mr Heath while he was alive, said the bar to interview someone was "incredibly low".
"Mr Heath was innocent at the start of the Wiltshire investigation and he's innocent to this day," he told the Today programme.
The findings of the investigation will be passed to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Sir Edward, who lived in Salisbury, Wiltshire, led the Conservative government from 1970 to 1974.