Rape allegations total 31 in Jimmy Savile abuse scandal

A TOTAL of 31 allegations of rape have been made against Jimmy Savile so far, police investigating the sex-abuse scandal surrounding the late star have revealed.

Some 589 people have come forward with information relating to the scandal, with a total of 450 complaints against the BBC presenter and DJ himself, mainly alleging sexual abuse, Scotland Yard said.

Ten weeks since the launch of Operation Yewtree – looking at the claims against Savile – police said they have recorded 199 crimes in 17 force areas in which he is a suspect. There are 31 allegations of rape recorded against Savile in seven force areas, Scotland Yard said.

So far, detectives have detained seven suspects and helped in the arrest of three others elsewhere in the country, Scotland Yard said, adding: “More arrests nationally will be forthcoming.”

Former pop star Gary Glitter and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De’Ath, – among those arrested as part of Operation Yewtree – were re-bailed by police yesterday.

Operation Yewtree involves a team of 30 officers and has already cost around £2 million.

Today, Scotland Yard said the majority of work relating to offences reported against Savile acting alone has now been completed, although more victims could come forward.

Police and the NSPCC are compiling a report, which it is hoped will be published in the new year, to provide an overview of the late star’s activities.

The report is intended to “give a voice” to those who have come forward.