LONDON: Police looking into accusations that powerful figures at the heart of the British establishment were involved in child sex abuse in the 1970s and 1980s said on Thursday they were investigating allegations that three boys had been murdered.

They said places where abuse was alleged to have taken place included military establishments and at Dolphin Square, a central London block of flats close to parliament.

“These are unique and complex investigations” Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Rodhouse told reporters.

Detectives first announced last month that their investigation into accusations of historical paedophile rings involving politicians, public officials, clergy and other high-profile figures would examine possible murders.

One lawmaker has told Reuters at least 10 current or former politicians might have been involved in child abuse.

Britain promised an over-arching public inquiry into allegations of nationwide historical child abuse earlier this year but the investigation has been dogged by controversy.

Two chairmen appointed to head the process have quit because of their links to establishment figures who have come in for criticism, and some victims and other participants have said they have lost faith in the inquiry.