Ex-High Court judge to conduct review into VIP sex abuse investigations

A former High Court judge is to examine the way historical allegations against public figures are investigated, after a request from the head of the Metropolitan Police.

Sir Richard Henriques is to conduct the review, which will be published later this year and will "focus on police procedures and will not reach judgements on the evidence".

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Met Police commissioner, said he had called the review because "we are not afraid to learn how we can do these things better."

It comes after the force received criticism over its handling of cases, including the investigation into former home secretary Lord Brittan - who was not cleared of an allegation of rape until after his death.

Lord Bramall, the former head of the armed forces, also had a nine-month investigation into claims against him dropped.

Officers had raided his home in March last year while he ate breakfast with his terminally-ill wife, who has since died.

After the judge-led review into the investigations was announced, Lord Bramall told ITV News he was "absolutely delighted".

"My lawyer was informed before the announcement and we are pleased that the way this affair has been handled will be examined by a judge," he added.

There have been claims in recent weeks that Operation Midland is on the brink of collapse.

However, following the announcement of the review a Met spokeswoman said the inquiry is "still ongoing".