HAMPSHIRE Constabulary is the fifth force to receive allegations against Sir Edward Heath, the former prime minister at the centre of historical child sex claims.

It was known that detectives in Wiltshire, London, Kent and Jersey were looking at sex abuse allegations linked to the late politician.

Hampshire has also confirmed that it was investigating claims.

The force said: "Please call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk as they have dedicated staff in place to deal with victims or if you have information that may help police please call us via 101."

Sir Edward had already been named in connection with inquiries in London, Kent and Jersey.

On Monday Wiltshire Police appealed for potential victims and witnesses to come forward after Sir Edward became the most high-profile figure embroiled in historical child sex claims.

Reports subsequently emerged that Sir Edward is being looked at as part of Operation Midland, a Scotland Yard inquiry into claims a VIP paedophile ring operated in the 1970s and 1980s.

Operation Midland is part of a wider umbrella of investigations by Scotland Yard, dubbed Operation Fairbank, into allegations of abuse involving senior politicians and high-profile figures.

Sir Edward, who led the Conservative government between 1970 and 1974, never married and was famously reticent about his private life.

One biographer concluded that he may have been a latent or repressed homosexual while another thought he was "pretty well sexless".

Away from politics he was noted for his enthusiasm for sailing and classical music. Sir Edward died at home in Salisbury, Wiltshire aged 89 in July 2005.