EXCLUSIVE: Highly sensitive cop files go missing
Documents known as “Red Dockets” from highly sensitive cases have mysteriously vanished from police archives, well-informed sources say.
The revelations, said to feature the names of politicians, showbiz stars and a senior cop, come as a Metropolitan Police inquiry into claims that establishment figures murdered three boys teeters on the verge of collapse.
Files which have disappeared include ones from the infamous 1980s Operation Circus inquiry.
It was shut down after undercover cops allegedly photographed rent boys from London’s Piccadilly Circus with VIPs.
Sources told The Sun it was axed on the orders of then Director of Public Prosecutions, the late Sir Thomas Hetherington.
A DPP official is said to have visited West End Central police station in early 1985 and ordered the inquiry terminated.
An ex-cop said: “A report went to the DPP which identified under-age male prostitutes, their pimps and clients.
“All that information has now gone. The only conclusion is that the DPP authorised the plug to be pulled on it.”
Names of MPs, showbiz stars, industrialists and a Scotland Yard commander cropped up in the Circus inquiry.
Sources told The Sun that “red docket” files — named after their covers’ colour — were placed in a Special Branch registry but have now vanished.
Analysis of audit trails is being carried out on child abuse case files booked out by officers.
Special Branch is under investigation over allegations of nobbling inquiries which would have exposed figures including MP Cyril Smith.
And so-called X4 files containing unsubstantiated information on paedos, said to be “a goldmine”, were shredded.
The Met’s Operation Midland investigation, into allegations MPs were involved in the murders of three boys, was launched after claims by a young man.
The witness, known as Nick, claims to have seen murders at London’s Dolphin Square and to have been abused abroad by foreign VIPs.
