UK police investigation into alleged VIP paedophile ring collapses without anyone charged
A £2 million police investigation into an alleged VIP paedophile ring accused of killing three children more than 30 years ago has collapsed amid calls for resignations from three of the UK’s most senior police officers.
The Metropolitan police said Operation Midland has been closed without any charges being brought against any of the former politicians, military officers or government officials said to be involved, after a 16-month inquiry involving 31 detectives.
The declaration came on Monday, an hour after the last living suspect in the inquiry said he had been told he would face no charges. Harvey Proctor, the former Conservative Party member of parliament (MP), was told after a conversation between his solicitors and a senior Met officer that there was insufficient evidence to pursue a case.
I have been advised that the Metropolitan police service have informed my solicitors that they intend to take no further action
The decision to clear Proctor represents a humiliating retreat for the Met, one of whose officers had previously described his accuser’s allegations as “credible and true” – a claim that was subsequently withdrawn.
In his statement, Proctor called for the resignations of the senior officers involved in Operation Midland and an independent inquiry into the operation.
“I have been advised that the Metropolitan police service have informed my solicitors that they intend to take no further action.
“I consider that Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Patricia Gallan, Steve Rodhouse and Kenny McDonald should tender their resignations from the Metropolitan police service forthwith,” he said.