Jimmy Savile Sex Scandal: BBC and Savile's Estate to be Sued by Alleged Victims

The estate of Jimmy Savile and the BBC are being sued on behalf of 31 alleged victims of sexual abuse by the disgraced presenter.

Alan Collins, of the law firm Pannone, confirms a writ has been issued at the High Court on behalf of the 31 victims.

Collins said the number of people who are coming forward to Pannone to make claims is growing "on a daily basis". The allegations against Savile ranged from "inappropriate behaviour to serious sexual abuse".

The victims could receive compensation from the broadcaster or Savile's estate if the damages claims are won.

Collins added: "The purpose of issuing the writ is to protect our clients' position and to seek management directions from the court to ensure the claims are administered as efficiently as possible.

"At this stage we are unable to expand in detail on the nature of the cases or the allegations that have been made, which range in seriousness from inappropriate behaviour to serious sexual abuse."

In statement, the BBC said: "We're unable to comment on any legal claims of this nature made against the corporation."

NatWest announced in November that Savile's estate and assets had been frozen following the sexual abuse claims against the former Jim'll Fix It Presenter.

Last month, Collins wrote to Natwest believing the late DJ may have hidden millions of pounds in assets offshore. The lawyer alleged that Savile's fortune amounted to far more than the £4.3 million detailed in his will.

In January, a report by the Metropolitan Police and the NSPCC said there have been 214 recorded criminal offences lodged against Savile across 28 police force areas, including 34 cases of rape and 126 indecent assaults over six decades.