Ted Heath. Wikimedia, CC Former UK prime minister Ted Heath — who died in 2005 age 89 — has been named in connection with an investigation into child abuse.

Heath was the Conservative prime minister from 1970 to 1974.

The news will come as a relief to those who want to see progress in solving the mystery of whether Britain's government hid a network of high-ranking child abusers in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Wiltshire police said they will investigate both a claim of child abuse against Heath made in the 1990s, and why police failed to pursue that claim at the time it was made:

Following the announcement today regarding an independent investigation by the IPCC into allegations concerning how Wiltshire Police handled an alleged claim of child sex abuse made in the 1990’s, we are carrying out enquiries to identify if there are any witnesses or victims who support the allegations of child sex abuse.

On becoming aware of the information, Wiltshire Police informed the IPCC and later made a mandatory referral. The IPCC investigation will specifically consider how the Force responded to allegations when they were received in the 1990’s.

Rumours of child abuse in the British government go back decades:

The Guardian notes, archly, that "Heath, who was prime minister for four turbulent years, never married and was famously reticent about his private life." The Telegraph and Sky News reported the rumours that he was gay but had never come out of the closet.

Wiltshire police said it would lead the investigation:

Sir Edward Heath has been named in relation to offences concerning children. He lived in Salisbury for many years and we would like to hear from anyone who has any relevant information that may assist us in our enquiries or anyone who believes they may have been a victim.

The government has already started two other investigations into historic allegations of abuse by politicians. New Zealand judge Lowell Goddard has been appointed to look into the entire universe of the alleged Westminster conspiracy. Thousands of people are expected to testify, according to The Guardian. In December, Scotland Yard was given a document that contains names of 22 high profile figures, including three serving MPs and three members of the House of Lords, alleged to be involved in the suspected Westminster paedophile ring during the 1970s and 1980s.

And Home Secretary Theresa May demanded a review the loss of the dossier under Brittan. That probe concluded that it could not be proven what happened to the file.

Here is the full statement from Wiltshire police:

Statement from Wiltshire Police following the IPCC announcement re. Sir Edward Heath investigation

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said:

“Following the announcement today regarding an independent investigation by the IPCC into allegations concerning how Wiltshire Police handled an alleged claim of child sex abuse made in the 1990’s, we are carrying out enquiries to identify if there are any witnesses or victims who support the allegations of child sex abuse.

“On becoming aware of the information, Wiltshire Police informed the IPCC and later made a mandatory referral. The IPCC investigation will specifically consider how the Force responded to allegations when they were received in the 1990’s.

“Sir Edward Heath has been named in relation to offences concerning children. He lived in Salisbury for many years and we would like to hear from anyone who has any relevant information that may assist us in our enquiries or anyone who believes they may have been a victim.

“We are working closely with the NSPCC to ensure that any victims are appropriately supported. They provide trained helpline counsellors to listen and provide assistance.

“We take all reports of child abuse, either current or that occurred in the past very seriously. Victims will receive support throughout any investigation and associated judicial process.

“If there is evidence of offences having been committed we will ensure that , if possible, those responsible are held to account through a thorough and detailed investigation. This includes any other parties who are identified as having been involved in child sex abuse.

“Some people may never have spoken out about the abuse they have suffered but we would urge them to please contact us and to not suffer in silence.

“Please call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk as they have dedicated staff in place to deal with victims or if you have information that may help police please call us via 101.” Ends

Chief Executive of the NSPCC, Peter Wanless said:

“It’s important that people who believe they have been victims of abuse have the confidence to speak out knowing that their voices will be listened to.

Whether abuse happened in the past, or is occurring today, whether those being accused are authority figures or not, allegations of crimes against children must be investigated thoroughly. While some people wait years before speaking out, we would urge them to act quickly so they can get help as soon as possible. Our trained helpline counsellors are always on duty round the clock to listen and provide assistance.”

ENDS Number for victims : 0808 800 5000 email : help@nspcc.org.uk

Here's the full statement from The Independent Police Complaints Commission:

Investigation following allegations of historic corruption linked to child sexual abuse allegations

Aug 3, 2015

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to investigate allegations concerning Wiltshire Police’s handling of an alleged claim of child sexual abuse made in the 1990s.

It is alleged that a criminal prosecution was not pursued, when a person threatened to expose that Sir Edward Heath may have been involved in offences concerning children. In addition to this allegation, the IPCC will examine whether Wiltshire Police subsequently took any steps to investigate these claims.

The allegations were referred to the IPCC by Wiltshire Police following allegations made by a retired senior officer.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues referred to, you can speak to trained counsellors at the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk