Soham chief: New vetting process will not work

The man who led the investigation into the Soham murders today criticised a new vetting process aimed at protecting children from paedophiles.

Retired detective chief superintendent Chris Stevenson accused the Government of creating paranoia with plans for background checks on all adults who spend time with children or vulnerable adults.

He said "no amount of record keeping or checking" would protect children such as 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman who were murdered by school caretaker Ian Huntley in 2002.

Mr Stevenson said he felt compelled to speak out after being ordered to stop taking pictures of his grandson at a football match. He was told he needed the permission of every parent of every child playing if he wanted to use his camera.

"I am now a suspected paedophile," he said, "along with millions of other parents and grandparents". Children's Secretary Ed Balls has promised to look again at the legislation after the outcry it caused.