‘No investigation at this time’ over BBC presenter, Met Police confirm
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed ‘no investigation’ is under way into the BBC scandal where one of its stars has been accused of paying a teenager for sexual images.
The broadcaster said last night it had contacted the force over the allegations that an unnamed male presenter paid a teenager more than £35,000 for the imagery.
While the victim at the centre of the allegations is now 20 years old, the situation is said to have begun when they were 17.
Follow the latest news on the BBC presenter allegations over on Metro.co.uk’s live blog.
Detectives are now assessing information discussed in a virtual meeting with the company, but an investigation has not been launched ‘at this time’.
A Met statement said: ‘Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command met with representatives from the BBC on the morning of Monday, July 10.
‘The meeting took place virtually. They are assessing the information discussed at the meeting and further enquiries are taking place to establish if there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed.
‘There is no investigation at this time.’
This is the latest scandal to hit the BBC after the allegations first came to light on Saturday in the Sun.
Director-general Tim Davie is due to face the media tomorrow for a briefing after the release of the corporation’s annual report.
In a note to staff on Sunday, he said: ‘The BBC became aware of a complaint in May; the BBC investigations team have been looking into this since it was raised and have been actively following up.
‘New allegations, of a different nature, were put to us on Thursday, and, in addition to our own inquiries, we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.
‘I can also confirm that we have suspended a member of staff.’
He added: ‘By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex.
‘I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.
‘We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports.
‘I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.’
The BBC said it had been investigating a complaint since May, adding that new claims of a ‘different nature’ were brought to it on Thursday.
As well as being in touch with the police, the corporation is carrying out its own inquiries and talking to the young person’s family.
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