Kent Police is investigating a report of child sex abuse allegedly committed by former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath.

The force, which is one of four probing the allegations against the Broadstairs-born former MP, received the report today following an appeal for potential victims to come forward.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police has today received a report of a sexual assault having been committed in East Kent in the 1960s.

"The victim has named Sir Edward Heath in connection with the allegation.

"Detectives are making initial enquiries, and will obtain a full account from the victim. The report has been notified as part of Op Hydrant."

It is one of a number of reports received from officers and the NSPCC since the appeal went out on Monday.

Former Conservative leader Heath, who was born in Broadstairs, died in 2005 at the age of 89.

Wiltshire police made the appeal after the police watchdog said it was investigating claims that a prosecution against a man was dropped in the 1990s after he alleged that Heath abused him as a child.

They are now leading an inquiry about whether Heath was involved in child abuse.

The alleged rape victim, now 65, claims he was walking along the A2 in north Kent in 1961 when the former Prime Minister pulled over and asked if he wanted to stay at his flat in Mayfair.

Two blue plaques were unveiled in the Broadstairs in January 2011 - one at his childhood home in Albion Road and the other at the town's sailing club, where he was a member until he died.

Police in Jersey have also confirmed that Heath features as part of Operation Whistle, which is investigating historical allegations of abuse in Jersey.

The States of Jersey Police are working in collaboration with their UK-based Operation Hydrant counterparts.

It's reported Sir Edward is being investigated as part of Operation Midland by Scotland Yard and allegations were also received by Gloucestershire Police and Thames Valley Police to be referred to Operation Hydrant.

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