Five police forces have confirmed they have received allegations of child sex abuse involving the former British prime minister Edward Heath.

Police in Jersey, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Kent and London are all investigating allegations involving the former politician.

Late last night, the Hampshire force was the latest to confirm it is looking into allegations made against the former PM.

Earlier, police in Jersey said they were investigating claims that he would take children from care homes for a ride in his yacht.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "In April 2015 an allegation of rape was made to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

"An officer from Operation Fairbank interviewed the complainant that same month and obtained a full account. Support services were offered.

"However, after a full assessment of the allegation there were no lines of inquiry that could proportionately be pursued by the MPS."

He would not say anything more about why the decision had been taken.

It's also claimed the politician was seen by a Met Police detective going into a north London property where boys were abused in the '70s.

The first allegation against Mr Heath emerged on Monday.

In a statement, Jersey Police said: "Sir Edward Heath does feature as part of Operation Whistle, currently investigating historical allegations of abuse in Jersey."

The force says the allegations of abuse involve 13 "people of public prominence".

Many of the claims centre on the Haut de la Garenne children's home, which closed in 1986.

The home was said to have been "frequented" by Jimmy Savile, who has been accused of abusing youngsters there.

"It was understood people couldn't escape"

US Newsweek reporter Leah McGrath-Goodman has claimed she was told of allegations against Mr Heath on Jersey in 2011 but she says she was then thrown out of the UK for investigating them.

"The yachting culture had long been known for bringing boys and other children out on boats into international waters...murky legalities...it was a place where it was understood people couldn't escape."

"I know Edward Heath was involved in the yachting culture on the island."

Ms McGrath-Goodman told Newstalk Breakfast some children may never have returned from the yacht.

Mr Heath, British prime minister for four years in the 1970s, is the highest-profile figure to be named in historical abuse allegations against prominent figures.

An independent inquiry has been set up into claims public bodies failed to act or attempted to cover up claims against senior politicians.

The inquiry has been told by David Cameron there are no limits to their investigations and officers should "go as high as they like".

The Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation said: "We welcome the investigation by Wiltshire Police, which we wholeheartedly believe will clear Sir Edward's name and we will co-operate fully with the police in their inquiries."

Mr Heath, who led the Conservative government between 1970 and 1974, never married and kept his private life under wraps.

He died at his home in Salisbury aged 89 in July 2005.