'Open Mind' Needed On Historical Sex Cases

Detectives investigating historical sex crimes should keep an "open mind" and not assume the claims are true, the head of the Metropolitan Police has said.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said suspects should also be offered anonymity before they are charged as "reputations may be tarnished" by inquiries.

His comments came after he announced a review of Scotland Yard's handling of claims about a VIP paedophile ring in Westminster amid mounting pressure over Operation Midland.

Writing in The Guardian, Sir Bernard, who has just been offered a one-year contract extension, said "public confidence has been affected" by the Met's handling of inquiries into Lord Bramall and other high-profile figures.

The way officers investigate historical sex claims involving public figures would be part of the review, Sir Bernard added, suggesting a shake-up of policy to make it "more neutral".

He said current guidance from the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary stipulates that the victim should always be believed.

Sir Bernard said: "The public should be clear that officers do not believe unconditionally what anyone tells them. They are listened to, sometimes at length, before the decision is made to begin an investigation.

"A good investigator would test the accuracy of the allegations and the evidence with an open mind, supporting the complainant through the process.

"This is a more neutral way to begin than saying we should believe victims, and better describes our impartial mindset."

On Wednesday Sir Bernard again refused to apologise to Lord Bramall, 92, amid fierce criticism over Operation Midland, which saw officers raid the former Army chief's home.

The case against Lord Bramall was later dropped.

The findings of the review, to be led by former High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques, will be published later in the year, although the full report will remain confidential.

It has been dismissed as a PR campaign by former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, who was questioned under the controversial inquiry before facing no further action.

Operation Midland centred on allegations by a man known as "Nick", which were described by a detective at the time as "credible and true".