Scotland Yard faced a secrecy row yesterday after refusing to say whether its officers are still investigating BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards.
The 62-year-old news presenter was suspended by the corporation earlier this year after it was claimed that he had paid thousands of pounds for sexual images.
Detectives assessed allegations that Mr Edwards had paid a young person for sexual images after they met when the teenager was 17.
The boy’s mother and stepfather complained to police in April, but three months later detectives declared that no crime had been committed.
Having paused an internal inquiry while the police assessment was carried out, the BBC promised in July to ‘move forward’ with its investigation.
But the corporation is yet to conclude its inquiries, prompting speculation that there may be ongoing matters to assess.
Yesterday when the Metropolitan Police was asked whether detectives were still assessing any allegations, the force declined to answer.
Huw Edwards was suspended by the corporation earlier this year after it was claimed that he had paid thousands of pounds for sexual images
Yesterday when the Metropolitan Police was asked whether detectives were still assessing any allegations, the force declined to answer
Under College of Policing guidelines, forces routinely respond to media inquiries when asked if there is an update to an existing policing matter.
The national guidance states: ‘As an investigation or other policing activity continues, officers and communications staff should regularly review the information that has been released and consider if it is appropriate to release more information.’
But when asked whether officers were still conducting any inquiries into Mr Edwards, a Scotland Yard spokesman refused to answer, saying: ‘We are not able to answer your query on the information you have provided to us.’
Back in July the Metropolitan Police issued a statement saying: ‘Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command have now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed.
‘In reaching this decision, they have spoken to a number of parties including the BBC and the alleged complainant and the alleged complainant’s family, both via another police force.
Detectives assessed allegations that Mr Edwards had paid a young person for sexual images after they met when the teenager was 17
When asked whether officers were still conducting any inquiries into Mr Edwards, a Scotland Yard spokesman refused to answer
‘There is no further police action. As such, the Met has advised the BBC it can continue with its internal investigation.’
A spokesman added: ‘Should evidence of criminality or safeguarding issues be identified at any point we would expect matters to be referred to the relevant police force.’
But the force is now refusing to say if any matters are still under consideration.
Mr Edwards was previously identified by his wife as the BBC presenter at the centre of allegations, after media outlets initially took the decision not to name him due to privacy concerns.
Vicky Flind issued a statement on her husband’s behalf after days of speculation, saying he was being treated in hospital for ‘serious mental health issues’. Mr Edwards has denied the allegations against him.
A BBC spokesman refused to comment last night when asked whether the police were still conducting inquiries into the case. He said: ‘We have never commented on speculation, nor will we in future.’