Scotland Yard faces allegations of covering up Westminster child sex abuse ring

BBC Newsnight said it was told that during a secret, three-month inquiry, officers collected substantial evidence, including photos and videos from a London flat, of men abusing 14-year-old boys.

The investigation is said to have led to Liberal MP Sir Cyril Smith being taken in by police for questioning after officers came to his house in Streatham, South London, which was allegedly hosting sex parties involving teenage boys. However, the programme said he was released within hours.

Newsnight said officers were then ordered to hand over all evidence and were warned to remain quiet or they would be prosecuted.

One testimony said officers were read the Official Secrets Act in order to deter them from saying anything else.

They were told those caught would not be playing a role in public life any more”.

Mr Smith remained an MP until 1992 and died in 2010.

The allegations were made shortly after the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it was investigating allegations of corruption within Scotland Yard – including claims of a cover up by senior MPs and officers of child sex abuse.