UK & World News
- 3 October 2012, 7:24
Savile: BBC To Aid Police On Abuse Claims
The BBC says it is to make direct contact with police to provide "full support" over any allegations made about abuse involving Sir Jimmy Savile.
A spokesman for the corporation said: "A number of serious and disturbing allegations have been made over the past few days about the sexual abuse of teenage girls by Jimmy Savile.
"Some of these allegations relate to activity on BBC premises in the 1960s and 70s. We are horrified by allegations that anything of this sort could have happened at the BBC - or have been carried out by anyone working for the BBC.
"So we have today asked the BBC investigations unit to make direct contact with all the police forces in receipt of allegations and offer to help them investigate these matters and provide full support to any lines of inquiry they wish to pursue."
Scotland Yard has now confirmed it is to review a new allegation of rape concerning the TV presenter.
A woman came forward on Monday to report the alleged attack, which is said to have taken place in London several decades ago. The report was passed to the Metropolitan Police by colleagues in Surrey as the alleged offence took place in London.
Police have not named the alleged attacker. However, Sky News understands the allegation relates to Sir Jimmy.
The presenter was interviewed under caution by police in 2007 after allegations of assault at a children's home in Surrey in the 1970s, but the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to charge him.
And Jersey Police investigated an allegation of indecent assault concerning the TV personality at the Haut de la Garenne children's home in the 1970s.
The alleged assault was reported to police in 2008 as part of their historic abuse investigation on the island.
A spokesperson told Sky News: "During the course of the States of Jersey Police's historic abuse investigation a verbal allegation of indecent assault said to have occurred during the 1970s at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne was received.
"The allegation was investigated but there was insufficient evidence to proceed."
It is thought that five women have alleged sexual abuse by Sir Jimmy, who died last year.
The claims are revealed in an ITV documentary on the Yorkshireman, who was hugely admired for the millions of pounds he raised for charity.
Fellow BBC presenter and ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen said there were rumours about the Top Of The Pops and Jim'll Fix It star but "it was one child's word against the word of a television icon ... I think no single complainant dared speak out before".
In a blog on the BBC news website, Newsnight editor Peter Rippon explains his decision not to run a story into abuse claims involving Sir Jimmy, and denies suggestions that it was part of a BBC cover-up.
Sir Jimmy's nephew, Roger Foster, has said the former DJ's family are "disgusted and disappointed" at the allegations.
what do you think?
Brian Mckeown
Talk about kick a man when he cant defend himself, why haven these people complained before, his estate big and they want a share of the money!!!. Most likely are being given advice by a solicitor who sees the oppourtunity to make a big fat fee.This country is full of so called professional people who have turned into sales reps, look at PPI and injuries for you etc etc
TIM x
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blue side
Always questioned the sincerity of Rantzen and she is out for the kill not saying JS is innocent and not saying he is guilty but he can hardly defend his case and at the end what good purpose is it to serve other than provide some sleazy one hour show which will no doubt try and promote Rantzen as the champion. I hate to think of kids being abused but why did they not speak up at the time.
Adrian Wagstaff
People have always said a lot of things about me, too. After I die, I would imagine they'll be saying a lot then or nothing at all. "Did you hear all about Adrian? Blah, blah, blah." Even now, people sometimes say things and I go, "Nope. Who told you that? That's not true." Esther Rantzen? What are they going to say at the end of her life? New book published all about Esther Rantzen?
Jan N Andy Oakley-Hills
If Esther Rantzen and the BBC worker had heard these rumours before, why no proper investigation/confrontation when JS was alive, why wait till he is dead and can't answer back? Seems like publicity seeking to me from all concerned, hoping to rake up muck and make a fast buck, what other purpose is there to rake up a decades old abuse story, presumably the 'victims' have learned to live with it by now if its true? Or are they just like a lot of celebrities nowadays who suddenly recall 'childhood abuse' when they have a show/film/book to promote? What happens in the past, stays in the past, can't be changed, but you do learn lessons from it and move on, however horrific the experience!!!
Jennie Morris
The purpose of "raking up a decades old abuse story" is for the victims to find closure & some resemblance of peace. It might generally be the case that what is in the past stays in the past but if you are a victim of abuse then it is never in the past it stays with you always.
shirley sutton
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Pat Field
Im no supporter of Esther Rantzen and actually think she is foolish to enter this arena with that pious look on her face. However, I think the police have been derelict in their duty here. These alleged victims were flung far and wide and didnt know of each others existence....As for after he has died -- lucky escape for him. The public humiliation would have been cringe making for him....at least he doesnt know its all coming out now. Shame on the BBC and shame on the police......I dont think anyone is after any money - but his saintly personna must be hard for them to bear after what he did (allegedly). Odd set of coincidence though isnt it??
Steven White
The documentary hasn't even been on yet!!! Let's wait then make our decision a?
john
He is dead, he can't fight back, it appears to me that a bunch of has-beens are desperate for a bit of publicity. They have had many years to make these allegations and they didn't, it is too late now.
Chris Robinson
It's never too late for justice.
john
He is dead Chris, are they going to dig him up and try his corpse? they had years to take legal action and they didn't.
Andrea Hill
where have these women been until now.
Mark Hussey
Looking like these vics are looking to make money out of a dead man.why not come and face him before he passed away
Peter Edwardson
Now we are going to waste a lot of police time and public money to investigate unsubstantiated rumours made by the media for the media. It does not matter what the outcome, the suspect is dead. This is all about people trying to make money out of the taxpayer and Joe Public.
Russell Beaumont
You see there will be a lot more jumping on the compensation wagon if the BBC are found to be at fault. Would serve them right if thousands try to climb aboard that way they' re would be no payout and the original 5 plus others will learn to be honest and report the crime when it happened not wait 30 years. They will just have to content themselves with the lucrative appearance fee paid for by the documentary makers.We will never know the real facts
Gordon Wright
1:52pm on 2/10/2012
Well, the Blessed Esther Rantzen appears to have made up her mind on this matter. No need for a proper investigation then................