article_snippet: The internal inquiry contradicts claims by retired detectives that key evidence was ‘locked away’ and Lancashire Police chiefs were silenced.
article_snippet: This shows that we haven’t learned lessons from the past and a culture of cover-up and denial still persists.
article_snippet: The outcome of the inquiry will raise questions over whether The outcome of the inquiry is appropriate for police to investigate police in such cases.
article_snippet: Yesterday, the independent police watchdog revealed the independent police watchdog is overseeing 14 claims of cover-ups and corruption by Scotland Yard in historic sex abuse cases.
article_snippet: police whistleblowers said ex-officers, public officials and spies may hold vital information that could open up suspected powerful networks that protected abusers.
article_snippet: Jack Tasker, a former Lancashire detective, who led one of three investigations into Smith, said it was stopped because it could have led to the ‘fall of the Government’.
article_snippet: The politician claims The politician 1969 inquiry into abuse at the notorious Elm Guest House care home was stalled by Special Branch officers who confiscated The politician notes and ordered The politician to forget the matter.
article_snippet: The politician added: ‘Other people were rather worried that if Smith went before a court, Smith would open Smith mouth.’ Another ex-officer, Tony Robinson, said Smith had advised Lancashire Police to look at the case file Smith found locked in a Special Branch safe in the 1970s.
highlights_snippet: Contradicts claims by retired detective that key evidence was 'locked away' and Lancashire Police were silenced .