Max Clifford Arrested By Savile Detectives

Publicist Max Clifford has been arrested by police investigating sexual abuse claims against Jimmy Savile, it has emerged.

The 69-year-old is being held by detectives working on Operation Yewtree, a probe into historic sex offences.

Mr Clifford is the sixth person to be questioned as part of the Metropolitan Police investigation.

Sky sources understand Mr Clifford is being held at a police station in central London.

Sky's crime correspondent Martin Brunt said: "He is, as we speak, being questioned by detectives."

Police working on Operation Yewtree had said they were looking at three categories of offences; those allegedly committed by Savile alone, those allegedly committed by Savile and "others", and alleged offences by "others".

Brunt added: "Max Clifford falls within that group of allegations that pertain to others."

Mr Clifford's lawyer, Charlotte Harris, said he would assist the police "as best he can with their enquiries".

A Met spokesman said: "The individual (held today) falls under the strand of the investigation we have termed 'Others'. We are not prepared to discuss further."

Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr, DJ Dave Lee Travis and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De'Ath, have been arrested and bailed as part of the probe.

Last month Scotland Yard said it was dealing with about 450 potential victims, the vast majority of whom claimed they had fallen prey to Savile.