DETECTIVES investigating allegations of child sex abuse have confirmed that two men linked to the inquiry have been found dead.

New Forest pensioner Anthony Whitlock died the day before he was due to be interviewed by officers involved in Operation Crossbow. He is understood to have shot himself.

Kenneth Milton, who had been charged with rape and indecent assault, died at his home in Southampton.

Milton, who had been due to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Friday, is understood to have had a heart attack.

Mr Whitlock, 72, of Green Lane in Ossemsley, near New Milton, was the brother of one of Milton's fellow defendants.

Ian Whitlock, 65, of Cull Lane, New Milton, has pleaded not guilty to two allegations of indecent assault and sexual touching.

Anthony Whitlock was found dead after police were called to his home on Wednesday, January 16 following reports of a gunshot.

A police spokesman said: "This man was one of a number of people who detectives were interviewing as part of Operation Crossbow, a complex investigation into allegations of sex abuse in the New Milton area in the 1970s and 1980s.

"He was initially due to speak to detectives on January 4 but was unable to do so due to ill health. As a result he was bailed until January 17.

"His death is not being treated as suspicious." A post-mortem examination was carried out but the results will not be released until the inquest opens next Tuesday.

Milton was found dead on January 11, the day after five of his fellow defendants appeared at New Forest Magistrates' Court and had their cases sent to Southampton Crown Court.

A post-mortem examination conducted on January 15 showed that he died of natural causes.