Top cop blasts critics of his force’s child sex probe into former PM Sir Edward Heath
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Mike Veale said 'a significant number of individuals' had made claims of abuse
A TOP cop has blasted critics of his force’s child sex probe into former PM Sir Ted Heath and insisted: “This is not a fishing trip”.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Mike Veale dismissed claims the investigation was a “witch-hunt” and defended his officers in a bizarre 1,600-word rant.
And he added: “I will not be buckling under pressure to not investigate or to conclude the investigation prematurely.”
Mr Veale said “a significant number of individuals” had made claims of abuse, which had to be tested by his officers.
They did not include “Nick”, the discredited “victim” at the heart of Operation Midland, Mr Veale said.
Mr Veale also vowed his force would continue to act “without fear or favour” - echoing a favourite motto of bungling Met chief, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.
Mr Veale’s attack came in an extraordinary open letter on his force’s website, amid growing anger over the probe, into events dating back more than 40 years.
A total of 21 officers and staff are working on Operation Conifer, which has so far cost taxpayers almost £700,000 in just 16 months.
Last month it emerged Sir Ted’s closest friends and former staff have been among witnesses quizzed in a bid to support allegations of historic abuse.
One claimed investigators were “all at sea” during an interview and branded their questions “half-witted”.
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Reports also alleged Solicitor General Robert Buckland had told Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson the probe was an “incredible fishing expedition”.
But Mr Veale has now hit back.
He said he was “very concerned and profoundly disappointed” about “speculation” which could affect “public confidence in the police”.
The police chief also said he feared it could have a “prejudicial impact” on the probe - only to then set out details of the inquiry.
Mr Veale insisted his force had to open an investigation and said witnesses could still be alive.
And he said it was vital to identify any “vulnerable individuals” who “require safeguarding” - even though Sir Ted died ten years ago.
Mr Veale added: “I take my responsibilities of operational independence, which is the bedrock of British Policing, very seriously indeed.
“Therefore I will remain operationally independent and will not be influenced by inappropriate and unacceptable pressure from people who don’t know the detail of this case.”
He confirmed “satanic ritual sex abuse” was one “small element” of the inquiry - but said it did not relate to Sir Ted.
Operation Conifer was launched in August 2015.
In November retired judge Sir Richard Henriques, blasted Met detectives for chasing “false allegations” against VIPs including retired military chief
Lord Bramall, ex-Home Secretary Leon Brittan and former Tory MP Harvey Proctor.