At least 20 high profile people are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police, Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has revealed.

Axar.az informs, quoting the BBC, he told: "Some of them are very significant public figures.".

He argued that all suspects should retain their anonymity before being charged, and victims - particularly in sexual offences - should not automatically be believed by police. Sir Bernard said it would be "improper" for him to interfere in VIP cases.

He said that one of the biggest criticisms of Operation Midland, Scotland Yard's investigation into paedophile allegations against VIPs, was that senior police interfered in inquiries "just because an important person is involved".