A north London police officer accused of being part of a paedophile ring had the evidence against him covered up by Special Branch. it is alleged.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today announced an investigation into the shocking alleged cover-up.

They are also looking at the case as part of an investigation into 12 allegations of corruption by the Metropolitan Police in relation to historic sex abuse investigations between the 1970s and 2000s including allegations that:

Evidence relating to to child abuse at a youth club in 1980s and 1990s that involved politicians and council officers, went missing from a London police station.

An investigation into child sex abuse in central London in the 1980s was halted when it became apparent that an MP was involved.

An investigation into a west London paedophile ring in the 1980s had evidence removed and was threatened with closure by senior officer if it uncovered evidence against VIPs.

In the 1970s Special Branch attempted to interfere in an investigation that would have revealed an MP to be involved in child sex offences.

An MP was arrested and then released without charge on the instruction of senior officers following an investigation into a south London paedophile ring in the 1980s. Officers were also threatened with breaking the

official secrets act if they spoke of the events.

An investigation into child sex offences committed by an MP was taken over by officers from Special Branch and then not progressed.

A prosecution against a government official who was in possession of indecent images of children was not pursued following instruction from senior officers and lawyers.

An investigation into a paedophile ring in south-west London in the 1970s was shut down prematurely on instruction of senior or high-ranking officers.

An MP was only charged with specimen charges for child sex offences and not more numerous or serious offences.

Paperwork and evidence relating to child sex offences involving an MP disappeared and the MP was released without charge

A failure to investigate child sex offences involving an MP due to instructions from senior or high-ranking officers.

The corruption investigations are to be conducted by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) but will be overseen by the IPCC.

The majority of the investigations stem from allegations made by retired MPS officers.

IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: “We are continuing to receive further referrals from the Met and have now assessed that a further 12 require management by the IPCC. Our investigators will now oversee these investigations and ensure they meet our robust standards.”