ITV News' Paul Davies reports

A fiercely-criticised police investigation into historical claims of a VIP paedophile ring has been closed by Scotland Yard.

ITV News takes a closer look at the 16-month investigation.

What were the allegations?

The allegations - which spanned between 1975 and 1984 - were made by a single person known as "Nick".

It is understood he went into a police station in November 2014 claiming he had been abused for almost a decade by a powerful ring of politicians, establishment and military figures.

He also claimed that three young boys had been murdered by members of the ring.

Who was investigated?

The investigation did not lead to a single arrest, but high-profile homes were raided and VIPs questioned.

Why was the operation criticised?

Superintendent Kenny McDonald, the officer in charge of Operation Midland, made a statement just a month after the investigation had opened.

He was accused of prejudging the investigation. The Met later withdrew the assertion that the claims were true, but defended the investigation.

The force also came under criticism for the long periods of police bail for those under investigation and the way the investigation was conducted.

How much did it cost?

It did not lead to a single arrest.

Why was it closed?

The announcement came after former Tory MP Harvey Proctor - the last person to be investigated by Operation Midland - was told he will face no further action over allegations which he consistently denied.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Rodhouse, the senior officer in charge of Operation Midland said: "It is absolutely right that we assessed carefully the allegations made to us".

Mr Proctor today called for a string of police bosses to resign.