A review of the Home Office’s handling of paedophile ring allegations in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s was labelled a “whitewash” yesterday after finding no evidence of a cover-up.

However the report, by NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless and barrister Richard Whittam QC, did warn that it is impossible to draw any firm conclusions.

The 10-week probe looked at how the government department dealt with information handed over by the late Conservative MP Geoffrey Dickens, as well as other allegations in 114 missing, lost or destroyed files.

It had not uncovered “any evidence of organised attempts by the Home Office to conceal child abuse,” the report said.

However, it said: “It is very difficult to prove anything definitive based on imperfectly operated paper records systems at 30 years remove.”

Reacting to the findings, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said: “Theresa May has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address child abuse failings of the past. But so far all we’ve seen are whitewash reports and hopeless attempts to manage and contain a historic child abuse inquiry.”