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"I would be very, very surprised indeed if there is any substance to these allegations," said Brian Binley, who used to be a conservative MP and was the former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath's bag carrier in the 1960s.

The police watchdog is to investigate whether Wiltshire police failed to pursue allegations of child abuse against the Sir Edward. A retired detective alleged claims were made in the 1990s, but not followed up.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission will also look at whether police dropped a case because that person threatened to go public with the claims.

Brian Binley said the senior police officer "had every opportunity to raise this during his career" and "it's easy to smear people not around".

"I don't think it would be right and fair to jump to conclusions about a man who served his country with dignity and care," he added.