BBC sex scandal: Max Clifford out on bail

2012-12-07 09:43

Max Clifford leaves Belgravia police station after he was arrested as part of a wide-ranging inquiry into sex abuse, in London. (Jonathan Brady/ AP)

London - Max Clifford, one of Britain's most prominent public relations figures, was released on bail late on Thursday after 12 hours of questioning in connection with investigations into a child abuse scandal linked to a former BBC entertainer.

Clifford protested his innocence as he emerged from a central London police station late on Thursday, saying that the allegations made against him were "damaging and totally untrue".

"Anyone who really knew me all those years ago and those who have known me since will have no doubt that I would never act in the way that I have today been accused," he said in response to the allegations, which are reported to go back to the 1970s.

Clifford is the sixth person to be arrested in connection with the investigation, which centres on the alleged abuse of children by Jimmy Savile, a now deceased BBC entertainer, for several decades since the 1960s.

They include comedian Freddie Starr, convicted paedophile and former glam rock star Gary Glitter and two former BBC presenters. All have been freed on bail after being questioned by police.

- SAPA