Operation Yewtree Police Arrest 'BBC Star' on Suspicion of Sexual Assault

A well-known BBC television and radio personality has been arrested as part of Operation Yewtree on suspicion of sexual offences, according to reports.

Police arrested a 64-year-old man at an address in south London on 29 October as part of the inquiry which was launched in the wake of the Jimmy Savile sex scandal.

According to the Sun, the man who was arrested is a well-known celebrity and was easily recognised by an eyewitnesss, who also saw material being removed from his home by police.

"There's no doubt who it was," he told the newspaper.

The BBC has refused to confirm whether one of their stars was arrested as part of the investigation and his name has not been revealed by police. A 74-year-old man who also arrested in south London on suspicion of sexual offences has also not been named.

Both men have been bailed until January pending further enquiries. A Met Police spokesperson said that both fell under the inquiry term "others", meaning that their alleged offences were not related to the Top of the Pops presenter who died in 2011.

The men were the 15<sup>th and 16<sup>th people to be arrested under Operation Yewtree. DJ Dave Lee Travis, entertainer Rolf Harris and PR consultant Max Clifford have been charged and are due to stand trial charges of sexual offences.

All three deny the allegations.

Other high-profile names to have been arrested include comedian Freddie Starr and singer Gary Glitter.

David Smith, a former BBC driver and convicted paedophile who was also arrested as part of the operation, was found dead at his London home on the first day of his trial for sexual offences.

Read: Former BBC Presenter Jailed for 22 Years for Child Sex Offences