Cyril Smith's family would welcome independent inquiry into abuse allegations

Cyril Smith

Cyril Smith's family has said it would welcome an independent inquiry into allegations the former Liberal Democrat MP sexually abused boys.

Police are investigating claims that Smith, who died in 2010 aged 82, sexually abused boys at children's homes and hostels in Rochdale.

The allegations against Smith have been made in a new book by the current Labour MP for Rochdale, Simon Danczuk.

In a statement, his family said: "The person they are describing is not the person known to his family, friends, colleagues and constituents.

"Sir Cyril always denied the allegations made against him in the 1960s and those investigated by the police in subsequent years.

"We continue to be saddened that Sir Cyril is unable to defend himself against such allegations."

The family said: "We find many of the claims bizarre and difficult to believe, an independent inquiry would determine their truth or otherwise."

They added they would help the police and authorities with their investigations.

Liberal Democrat president Tim Farron said his party needed to answer "serious questions" about who knew that its former MP faced allegations of sexual assault.

"The party absolutely, as the Labour Party must also... and indeed Rochdale civic society as a whole need to answer serious questions as to who knew what and when," he said.

Lawyers for those who have made allegations of abuse said they were considering taking legal action against the Lib Dems.

Mr Farron said the police inquiry was the best way to deal with the claims.

Speaking to BBC News, Simon Danczuk said: "This isn't about party politics - it doesn't matter whether Cyril Smith belonged to any particular party.

"We need to get to the bottom of why and how he managed to get away with that and who was involved in the wider cover-up."

Rochdale Borough Council has instructed a QC to review allegations about the abuse said to have occured at Knowl View School, Rochdale, which closed in 1995.

Andrew Warnock QC is conducting an independent review of all council decision making relating to the Knowl View case, from the late 1980s to the mid 1990s.

Council Leader Colin Lambert said: “The Council is aware that a number of allegations have been made with regards to alleged abuse at both Knowl View School in the 1980s and 1990s and Cambridge House in the 1960s.

"It is important for me as Leader of the Council to be able to reassure members of the public that we are treating this matter seriously and to ensure that no stone is left unturned.

"Detailed and thorough investigations into these historic matters are being conducted internally by the Council and by the Police. The Council has and continues to co-operate with the Police fully and openly and will support the Police if any prosecutions are ultimately brought.

"Anyone with any new information should contact Greater Manchester Police.”

The review is due to report in May.