Mounting pressure on the Metropolitan police over its mishandling of historic allegations of sexual abuse against public figures has forced it to open a judge-led inquiry.
Met announced the inquiry’s findings would be regarded as private for its commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and only a small part of it will be published.
According to the Guardian, the review follows fierce criticism of the Met’s handling of rape and sexual abuse allegations against the former Conservative home secretary Leon Brittan and the former military chief Lord Bramall. Both men were investigated following complaints by two individuals but not charged, leading to claims they were unfairly treated and subjected to a witch-hunt.
The retired judge Sir Richard Henriques will examine how police forces can maintain the confidence of victims, while avoiding the appearance of believing any story they are told.
In a statement, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said the aim was “whether we can provide a better balance between our duty to investigate and the interests of suspects, complainants and victims.”