BBC presenter suspended over explicit teen photo claims

The BBC was obliged to assure the Culture Secretary it was “investigating swiftly and sensitively” after belatedly suspending an unnamed presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit images.

The corporation’s director general Tim Davie said the situation was “complex” and the allegations have now been reported to the police.

But with senior presenters privately furious at being wrongly identified online, criticism over the way the BBC has dealt with the allegations is mounting.

We received the following statement from the Metropolitan Police:

“The Met has received initial contact from the BBC in relation to this matter but no formal referral or allegation has been made.

“We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow.”