Child Abuse Whistle Blower Jailed. Columnist Peter Hitchens: Carl Beech scandal could affect all of us

The Metropolitan Police has come under pressure to investigate the way its officers handled the probe into claims of a murderous VIP paedophile ring.

Former High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques, who in 2016 ran a review of the investigation, said he believes warrants to search the properties of high-profile figures were "obtained unlawfully".

His review found more than 40 areas of concern stemming from the actions of investigating officers involved in the £2 million Operation Midland, which was based on the lies told by Carl Beech, a fantasist who was formerly known as "Nick".

It ran from 2014 to 2016 and closed without a single arrest being made.

Former MP Harvey Proctor, whose home was raided in connection with the probe, said he was "pleased" with Sir Richard's comments and there should be a criminal investigation into Operation Midland.

He called for the Metropolitan Police and the Home Secretary to set up an independent investigation, adding: "I take no satisfaction to having my view that the Metropolitan Police force were wrong in the way that they investigated 'Nick'."