An inquiry has been launched into why Cambridgeshire Police took nine weeks to act on information that two of its officers involved in the Soham murder inquiry were suspected of child pornography offences.

Details of the allegations about Detective Constable Brian Stevens, a family liaison officer who provided comfort to the family of Jessica Chapman, and Constable Anthony Goodridge, an exhibits officer, were passed to their force before the men were assigned to the murder case.

A month before the two children disappeared from their homes, Cambridgeshire Police received a list of suspects, including the two officers, from an FBI inquiry into an internet child pornography network.

Despite being told to prioritise police officers and other suspects working with children the list was not checked until last week, when it was established the two officers were among the names. They were arrested shortly afterwards.

Cambridgeshire Police had planned to meet on 5 August to investigate the 279 names on the list. But the girls disappeared on 4 August and the meeting was postponed.

Det Con Stevens, 41, has been charged with three counts of making and inciting the distribution of indecent pseudo-photographs of children. PC Goodridge, 34, has been charged with four counts of making, possessing and inciting the distribution of indecent pseudo-photographs of children. They were granted conditional bail on Monday and are due to appear in court again on 11 November.

Police have stressed the allegations are not linked to the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.