swindon england former british prime minister edward heath would question claim sexually abuse boys alive today police say thursday two-year investigation allegations supporters heath never marry say investigation expensive flaw witch-hunt heath prime minister 1970 1974 die 12 years ago would interview caution seven allegations include rap 11-year-old boy indecently assault men boys one age 10. allege incidents occur 1956 1992 member parliament prime minister say wiltshire police force western england head national investigation name operation conifer satisfy compel obvious reason investigate allegations make sir edward heath wiltshire chief constable mike veale tell reporters add report suggest conclude guilt allegations utmost seriousness significant number people would indefensible dereliction public duty chief constable investigate serious allegations former prime minister even though decease total 40 individuals come forward accusations heath evidence undermine claim find 19 case three accusers late conclude mistake name ex-prime minister heath would quiz seven accusations although police refuse say whether corroborate evidence first occur 1961 heath title lord privy seal allege rap indecently assault boy pay sexual encounter private dwell claim also relate pay encounter include one trade minister well chance meet paul mill officer lead investigation say accusations make heath alive miss opportunities police heath become prime minister 1970 notably negotiate britain entry european economic community late become european union oust office 1974 lose two elections miners strike help bring government lose conservative party leadership 1975 margaret thatcher never forgive repeatedly criticize detractors describe long sulk history remain lawmaker 2001 four years late age 89. artillery officer world war two heath private widely regard awkward prickly man little gift small talk passionate music sail own five race yacht name morning cloud win sydney-to-hobart race heath godson artist lincoln seligman say 1.5 million pound million police investigation cast stain man could defend allegations might easily call question tell bbc radio yes question tell us nothing joint statement robert armstrong heath former cabinet secretary david hunt chairman sir edward heath charitable foundation say judge-led review evidence call police report highly unsatisfactory know sir edward heath work without exception convince allegations child abuse find groundless say britain jolt series high-profile child abuse scandals recent years notable involve late tv radio presenter jimmy savile five-year public inquiry look whether powerful figure politics church local government help hide abuse late uk pm heath question answer child sex abuse claim -police