Historic allegations of child abuse in London - allegedly involving high profile Conservative Party MPs - are set to be investigated by Scotland Yard. The Met Police has launched 'Operation Fernbridge' in response to a shock revelation made by Tom Watson, the Labour MP for West Bromwich East, in the House of Commons last October.

Under parliamentary privilege, MP Tom Watson said there's clear evidence - within old files from the conviction of paedophile Peter Righton – of a widespread paedophile ring 'linked to Parliament and Number Ten'. The abuse – involving children from a nearby children's home at the time - is said to have happened at the Elm Guest House, in Barnes, in South West London back in the 1980s.

Scotland Yard says a criminal investigation will be led by its Child Abuse Investigation Command unit. Mr Watson has welcomed the announcement and is urging 'any witnesses or victims to come forward if they think they can help with the inquiry'.