Rolf Harris named in Savile abuse inquiry
Rolf Harris is named as the veteran entertainer who was arrested by police investigating allegations of sexual abuse following the Jimmy Savile scandal.
Harris, 83, was originally interviewed by detectives from Scotland Yard’s Operation Yewtree in November and was then questioned over the allegations on 28 March.
Until today, the TV personality, who performed for the Queen at her Diamond Jubilee concert last year, had only been named online.
Harris, an enduring family favourite who was made a CBE in the 2006 Queen’s birthday honours, is one of 12 people arrested under Operation Yewtree, the national investigation prompted by allegations against Savile.
He was interviewed under caution on 29 November last year, five days after a search warrant was executed at his home in Berkshire.
Honoured entertainer
The Australian-born entertainer was also appointed Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s birthday honours list last year.
He was recognised for his service to the performing and visual arts, to charitable organisations and to international relations through the promotion of Australian culture.
His hits include Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport, Two Little Boys and Stairway to Heaven, and he also painted an official portrait of the Queen for her 80th birthday.
Bailed pending inquiries
After his arrest in March, just days before his 83rd birthday, a Scotland Yard spokesman said: “An 82-year-old man from Berkshire was arrested by officers on Operation Yewtree on suspicion of sexual offences.
“He has been bailed to a date in May pending further inquiries.
“The individual falls under the strand of the investigation we have termed ‘others’.”