The late Sir Edward Heath has been accused of raping a boy in London more than 50 years ago.

Sir Heath, who was prime minister of the UK from 1970 to 1974, is accused of raping a 12-year-old boy in Park Lane, London in 1961.

The man claims he was also abused by both his father and friends during his childhood, reports itv.

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After he ran away from home one day, the man alleges Sir Heath picked the then 12-year-old up in his car and raped him in a Park Lane house.

The man says he only discovered Sir Heath was a politician five years later, when he spotted his picture in a newspaper.

According to the man, he was called a liar and fantasist when he tried to air the claims relating to the famous politician.

Police watchdog The Independent Police Complaints Commission announced on Monday it was investigating claims into a police cover up of the rape claim.

According to the watchdog, a retired police officer described how an informant threatened to expose Sir Heath for his crime in the 1990s.

The officer alleges that no criminal prosecution was pursued, despite police awareness of the allegations.

Scotland Yard refused to comment on the allegations, or whether it was investigating.

Wiltshire police asked potential victims of Sir Heath to come forward, after the retired officer suggested there may be more than one.

Sir Edward Heath died from pneumonia in 2005.