Smith family saddened by Danczuk book

Cyril Smith

The family of the late Cyril Smith have said they are "saddened" by claims made against him in a new book written by Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, reports the BBC.

Mr Danczuk claims Smith used his position of power to sexually abuse young boys and then escape prosecution.

The former Rochdale MP's family said they are concerned by the book's claims so long after his death "when he is unable to defend himself".

Mr Danczuk said previously he asked police to re-examine the case after "a number of victims came to see me and raise concerns".

The Labour MP claimed in 2012 there was "little doubt" that Smith raped some of his victims.

The family issued a statement following the serialisation of the book Smile for the Camera: the Double Life of Cyril Smith in the Daily Mail.

It stated: "The Smith family continues to be saddened and concerned by the allegations made so long after Sir Cyril Smith's death and at a time he is no longer able to defend himself, as other celebrities and politicians have recently been able to do, in high profile court cases.

"Evidence has never been presented to the family during their meetings and conversations with police regarding many of the accusations made by Simon Danczuk MP, newspaper reporters and others.

"Sir Cyril always denied accusations made against him while he was living."

The family requested they are now "left alone" by the press in particular the former Rochdale MP's brother Norman Smith MBE, who is 82.

The Smith family said it will continue to co-operate with any further investigations.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/86556/daily-mail-serialising-mps-book-on-shocking-cover-up-of-cyril-smiths-industrial-scale-child-abuse