Jim Davidson ‘vigorously denies’ abuse claims
Comedian Jim Davidson, arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, “vigorously denies” the allegations against him, his solicitor says.
The former Generation Game and Big Break host was questioned by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal over allegations dating back 25 years, his solicitor Henri Brandman said.
Scotland Yard said earlier that a 59-year-old was held in west London at around noon today after a 53-year-old had been arrested in Hampshire at around 8am, both on suspicion of sexual offences linked to Operation Yewtree. They were later releaed on bail until March pending further inquiries.
In a statement, Mr Brandman said: “Two women have made allegations in respect of Jim that date back approximately 25 years.
“The complainants were then in their mid 20s.
“Jim vigorously denies the allegations.
Not charged
“He answered police questions as fully as he was able after this passage of time.
“He has not been charged with any offence.
“Neither he nor I will be making any further comment.”
Mr Davidson had been due to take part in the new series of Celebrity Big Brother, starting on Thursday, but will now no longer take part.
Ten men have now been questioned as part of Operation Yewtree which followed allegations against the former BBC presenter who died in 2011 aged 84.
The inquiry has been separated into three strands.
They are claims against Savile, those involving Savile and others, and those unconnected to the former BBC star which included the two latest arrests. Police have said that the majority of those cases in the section it has labelled “others” are linked to showbusiness.
Former pop star Gary Glitter, the comedian Freddie Starr and the public relations man Max Clifford are among those that have been arrested during the inquiry. They have denied wrongdoing and nobody has been charged with any offence.
Last month police said a total of 31 allegations of rape had been made against Mr Savile, the former Top Of The Pops presenter and Radio One disc jockey.
Some 589 people have come forward with information relating to the scandal, with a total of 450 complaints against him, mainly alleging sexual abuse. Detectives have recorded 199 crimes in 17 force areas in which Savile is a suspect.