Statement following conviction of Carl Beech and the outcome of Operation Conifer

Angus Macpherson, PCC for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "Wiltshire Police led a national investigation, on behalf of 14 forces, and had no alternative but to investigate the allegations of non-recent sexual abuse against Sir Edward Heath.

"Operation Conifer was deemed by an independent review to have been reasonable and proportionate and I remain satisfied that is still the case.

"The investigation's concluding report revealed that officers had discounted allegations from 33 individuals, of which Carl Beech was one. To that end, the recent trial verdict of Carl Beech does not have any material effect on Conifer or the actions taken during the investigation."