CLAIMS that Special Branch took over an investigation into child sex offences committed by an MP only to take it no further will be probed by the Met and police watchdog IPCC.

The allegation is one of a dozen new cases of alleged historical corruption relating to paedophilia in the 1970s to 2000s in the Met Police.

All involve claims that evidence was suppressed, investigations halted and offences covered up because of the involvement of MPs, government officials, police officers or other VIPs.

It means the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards is now conducting 29 investigations into corruption, overseen by the IPCC.

The watchdog is also overseeing one probe by Essex Police into claims that intelligence of an MP’s involvement in child sex abuse wasn’t investigated, it announced yesterday.

In a damning revelation it emerged last month that an alleged cover-up of child sex allegations against former prime minister Edward Heath was at the centre of a corruption probe into Wiltshire Police.

It was subsequently revealed that several forces around the country were also carrying out inquiries linked to allegations against the late politician.

Fellow deceased Tory Leon Brittan has also been linked to the abuse allegations.

Special Branch featured in three of the latest claims, including claims it took over an investigation into child sex offences committed by an MP only to shelve the probe.

It is further alleged that Special Branch covered up evidence relating to an allegation that a serving Met officer was involved in a paedophile ring in north London.

Other allegations include suggestions that a prosecution against a government official who was in possession of indecent images of children was not pursued following instruction from senior Met officers and lawyers.

And that 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.

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 in addition to one from Essex Police.

“Our investigators will now oversee these investigations and ensure they meet our robust standards.”