Summary of a radio programme outlining police failings in historical sex abuse cases.

An independent review of police investigations into VIP sex abuse has found 43 police failings.

The Henriques Review looked into the police investigations of public figures, including former Home Secretary Lord Brittan, retired army chief Lord Bramall and Harvey Proctor, a former Conservative MP.

Justice Henriques criticises the police for choosing to believe uncorroborated accusations rather than approaching the investigations with an open mind.

Reporter Alistair Jackson digs deeper into Operation Midland and Operation Vincente: police investigations that spanned several years, cost millions in tax-payers' money, and drew in large numbers of police officers.

He speaks to people closely involved and finds out why the Metropolitan Police has now issued apologies.

David Aaronovitch asks how historical sex abuse investigations should be handled and whether the police preoccupation with historic cases is hampering their ability to investigate more recent crimes.

Researcher: Kirsteen Knight

Producer: Hannah Sander.

Listen to the programme here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0833vn4


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