Freddie Starr. Photo Getty
British police have arrested comedian Freddie Starr as
part of an investigation triggered by allegations that late BBC
presenter Jimmy Savile sexually abused children, media
reported.
Police said in a statement they had arrested a man in his 60s
on suspicion of sex offences. The man was identified by Sky
News and ITV News as Starr, who earlier had offered to talk
to police.
With hundreds of people now coming forward to report abuse
dating back over several decades, police are working on three
broad lines of inquiry: alleged offences by Savile, by
others, and by Savile and others acting together.
"The individual falls under the strand of the investigation
we have termed 'Savile and others'," the police said.
The allegations have shaken Britain's state-funded
broadcaster and shocked fans of the once highly popular
Savile who was as famous for his charity work as he was for
his eccentric TV style.
Police have described cigar-chomping Savile, who died last
year at the age of 84, as one of Britain's most prolific sex
offenders.
Lawyers representing some of the victims have said their
clients indicated an organised paedophile ring involving
celebrities existed at the BBC during the height of Savile's
fame in the 1970s and 1980s.
Starr, 69, has publicly denied one allegation linked to a
show Savile presented in the 1970s.
"I'm being persecuted by the press saying that I have been
with underage girls and I haven't - never will I go with
underage girls," Starr told the BBC last month.
"I'm totally innocent. Totally innocent. I would never go
with a girl like that ... I hope they question me, I want to
clear my name. I've got nothing to hide."
The comedian, singer and impressionist was the subject of one
of Britain's best known newspaper headlines - Freddie Starr
Ate My Hamster.
The fictitious story in the top-selling Sun newspaper
involved Starr eating a woman's pet hamster after she refused
to make him a sandwich.
On Sunday, police arrested glam rock singer and convicted sex
offender Gary Glitter, born Paul Gadd, as part of the Savile
investigation. He was released on bail.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.