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The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to manage a further 12 investigations detailing allegations of corruption in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and one allegation detailing corruption in Essex Police. All relate to child sex offences dating from the 1970s to the 2000s.

The investigations are to be conducted by the MPS Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) and Essex's Professional Standards Directorate (PSD) but will be overseen, and have the terms of the investigation set, by the IPCC. The majority of the investigations stem from allegations made by retired MPS officers.

This is in addition to the 17 investigations announced earlier this year. All relate to allegations about:

• Suppressing evidence;
• Hindering or halting investigations;
• Covering up the offences because of the involvement of members of parliament and police officers

IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: “We are continuing to receive further referrals from the Met and have now assessed that a further 12 require management by the IPCC in addition to one from Essex Police. Our investigators will now oversee these investigations and ensure they meet our robust standards.”

Background

These 13 referrals are:

1. Allegation that a prosecution against a government official who was in possession of indecent images of children was not pursued following instruction from senior officers and lawyers.
2. Allegation that an investigation into a paedophile ring in south-west London in the 1970s was shut down prematurely on instruction of senior or high-ranking officers.
3. Allegation that evidence, relating to child abuse at a youth club in 1980s and 1990s that involved politicians and council officers, went missing from a London police station.
4. Allegation that an MP was only charged with specimen charges for child sex offences and not more numerous or serious offences.
5. Allegation that paperwork and evidence relating to child sex offences involving an MP disappeared and the MP was released without charge
6. Allegation of a failure to investigate child sex offences involving an MP due to instructions from senior or high-ranking officers.
7. Allegations about attempts by Special Branch in the 1970s to interfere in an investigation that would have revealed an MP to be involved in child sex offences.
8. Allegations an investigation into a west London paedophile ring in the 1980s had evidence removed and was threatened with closure by senior officer if it uncovered evidence against VIPs.
9. Allegation that an MP was arrested and then released without charge on the instruction of senior officers following an investigation into a south London paedophile ring in the 1980s. Also alleges officers were threatened with breaking the Official Secrets Act if they spoke of the events.
10. Allegation that an investigation into child sex abuse in central London in the 1980s was halted when it became apparent that an MP was involved.
11. Allegation that an investigation into child sex offences committed by an MP was taken over by officers from Special Branch and then not progressed.
12. Allegation that an officer serving with the MPS was involved in a paedophile ring in north London and that evidence was covered up by Special Branch.
13. Allegation that intelligence was provided by a witness, during a separate investigation, indicating an MP was involved in child sex abuse and that this was not investigated. (Essex)