An investigation of accusations that senior detectives at Scotland Yard covered up decades of child abuse, and possibly murder, has been welcomed by the National Association for People Abused in Childhood. (NACAP)

The charity’s chief executive Peter Saunders told the press : “We are looking at something that is going to be absolutely massive in terms of the revelations that will follow the allegations, if investigated properly” The investigation, overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) concerns claims that young boys were abused at the Dolphin Square apartments in London from 1970 to 2005 by a child abuse sex ring comprising paedophile MPs, judges, police officers and a cabinet minister. It is expected to last several years and cost several million pounds, and is promised to be “thorough and robust” by the IPCC.

NACAP say that around one in four children experience abuse at some time, and that the damage can include, in adult life, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, depression and a proneness to substance abuse, criminality and suicide.