Lee Travis released after questioning

Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis was bailed tonight pending further inquiries after being arrested by detectives investigating…

Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis was bailed tonight pending further inquiries after being arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, Scotland Yard said.

Mr Lee Travis was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire this morning on suspicion of sexual offences and taken into custody. He was bailed to return on a date in early January.

The latest arrest came as the Metropolitan Police revealed they are now dealing with around 450 potential victims, the majority of whom claim they fell prey to Savile.

This has risen from around 300 possible victims the force said they were dealing with last month.

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Officers are looking at three strands within their inquiry: claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others.

Most of the “others” allegations have been made against people associated with the entertainment industry.

Ex-glam rocker Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr and a 73-year-old man have already been arrested and bailed in connection with the investigation.

A 1977 episode of Top Of The Pops featuring Mr Travis was due to be shown on BBC4 tonight but has been pulled.

A BBC spokesman said: “In the light of today’s news, we have postponed tonight’s Top Of The Pops. In its place we are showing next week’s edition of TOTP presented by Kid Jensen.”

Last month Mr Travis vigorously denied allegations that he groped two women while in BBC studios.

The former judge leading the BBC inquiry into the Savile scandal has launched an appeal for witnesses.

Dame Janet Smith, who is reviewing the corporation’s practices during the Savile years, called on potential victims, witnesses, people who worked with the TV presenter and senior staff at the time to assist the investigation.

According to the inquiry’s website, the review also wants to hear from people “who were familiar with the culture or practices of the BBC” in terms of “preventing or enabling the sexual abuse of children, young people or teenagers”.