Scotland Yard launches review of procedures

Scotland Yard today launched a retired High Court judge led review into the force's handling of allegations of historical child abuse by well-known public figures in the UK.
Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe asked Sir Richard Henriques to make recommendations about whether there are ways to improve procedures.
"We are not afraid to learn how we can do these things better. Sir Richard brings an independent legal mind to advise us whether we can provide a better balance between our duty to investigate and the interests of suspects, complainants and victims," he said.
The review will feed into a larger independent public inquiry into child sex abuseallegations dating back 30 years being led by Judge Lowell Goddard.

"The review will focus on police procedures and will not reach judgements on the evidence. That is for the public inquiry to do, should they wish to examine any of the investigations covered by Sir Richard. A full copy of the review will be given to the public inquiry," Hogan-Howe said.
Scotland Yard's investigation into abuse was termed Operation Midland and launched in November 2014 following allegations that boys were sexually abused in the 1970s by a paedophile ring centred around Britain's political circles of Westminster.
The inquiry, which centred on allegations by a man known as "Nick", was also looking into the alleged murder of three young boys.

The Met Police has since come under fire amid claims it over-reacted to the allegations.