British police arrested comedian Freddie Starr this evening as part of an investigation triggered by allegations that late BBC presenter Jimmy Savile sexually abused children, media have reported.
Police said in a statement they had arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of sexual offences. The man was identified by Sky News and ITV News as Starr, who earlier had offered to talk to police.
The allegations of abuse have shaken Britain's state-funded broadcaster and shocked fans of Savile, who was as famous for his charity work as he was for his eccentric TV style.
Police have described Savile, who died last year, as one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, with hundreds of victims now coming forward.
A spokeswoman for Freddie Starr said he would be prepared to talk to officers investigating claims of abuse by Savile. The comedian has strongly denied allegations linking him to abuse.
“Freddie is prepared to be interviewed by the police, but his lawyer has been in touch with the person that is heading the investigation and they have no intention of questioning him,” said the spokeswoman.
A Scotland Yard spokesman declined to comment.
Savile had a distinct way of operating which allowed him to abuse children without being found out, a lawyer representing some of his alleged victims has claimed.
The former BBC radio and television star was devious and clever, attempting to isolate his victims and then pouncing when they went to the toilet or wandered off from a group, according to Alan Collins, who is investigating 20 claims against the former DJ.
Mr Collins, who works with law firm Pannone, said the star was “cunning, exploitative and opportunistic, a devastating combination in a paedophile”.
“He would first look for an opportunity to isolate his victim from the people they were with,” he went on. “This might have been when the boy or girl went to the loo or wandered off from the group to look something in the studio or at the event they were at.
“Savile would excuse himself from the group, follow his victim and then strike quickly and often brutally. There was very little conversation and, when it was over, he would return to the group as if nothing had happened, leaving his victim shocked and often traumatised.”
He added: “We need to know how and why he was able to get away with his vile perversions and his victims deserve the help and support of the law.”