Investigation into handling of child sex allegations against Sir Edward Heath

The allegations around Sir Edward Heath would be part of the investigations undertaken by the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse "should the facts justify it", a spokeswoman for the inquiry led by Justice Lowell Goddard has said.

A dedicated helpline for people to call if they have been a victim of abuse has been set up.

The NSPCC launched the line for anyone who has been a victim, or who has information, about an abuser.

The phone number is 0808 800 5000 and specially trained staff will answer your call.

Hampshire Police have confirmed they are investigating former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath.

Officers from Kent Police have confirmed to ITV News they have received a report of a sexual assault committed in East Kent in the 1960s

The alleged victim has named Sir Edward Heath in connection with the allegation.

Detectives said they are making initial enquiries, and will obtain a full account from the individual who made the report.

Three police forces are now investigating claims of child sex abuse involving Sir Edward Heath.

The States of Jersey Police confirmed the former Prime Minister features in Operation Whistle, an inquiry into alleged historic abuse on the island.

Earlier, reports emerged that Sir Edward is being looked at as part of Operation Midland, a Scotland Yard inquiry into claims a VIP paedophile ring operated in the 1970s and 1980s.

On Monday, Wiltshire Police appealed for potential victims or witnesses to come forward after the late politician became the most high-profile figure embroiled in historical abuse claims.

Wiltshire Police and the NSPCC say they've received a number of calls following appeals for information yesterday. Investigators are reviewing the information and following up any lines of enquiry.

Wiltshire Police continue to appeal to anyone who has information or may have been a victim of child sex abuse to come forward.

Former Conservative MP Brian Binley says he finds it difficult to believe that child sex abuse allegations against former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath are true.

Former Conservative MP Brian Binley, who worked in Sir Edward's office for a period of time, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think it's a very confusing story really, maybe produced during the silly season, kept back because stories are at a premium at this time.

"I find it very difficult to believe from the Ted Heath that I knew.

"I was, by the way, attached for a short time for private office - I wasn't there very long but I did get to know him a little bit - and I would be very, very surprised indeed if there is any substance to these allegations concerning a man whose private life was very controlled, and I doubt whether he'd place himself in such a vulnerable position with the sort of people who are said to have made these accusations."