BBC radio presenter is accused of molesting 8 women colleagues

THE BBC is investigating a radio presenter for sexual harassment after he allegedly groped a string of female colleagues.

The presenter – who cannot be named for legal reasons – would typically approach women from behind and put his hands underneath their skirts, it is claimed.

He is alleged to have assaulted at least eight female BBC staff over six years, including when other staff were present and at events off BBC premises.

Four of the women who claim to have been groped reported him to senior BBC bosses last week.

They told the controller of the radio station they wanted the man fired. But instead of taking him off air and removing him from his post, the BBC is understood to have launched a secret investigation into his behaviour.

Its internal ‘BBC Investigations’ unit, staffed by former police officers, is leading the probe amid fears his behaviour with staff is just the tip of the iceberg.

The man is said to have been ‘incredibly bold’, allegedly groping his colleagues in public places with other staff around them. According to sources, the investigators have been informed of eight staff who have allegedly been harassed, although only four have made a formal complaint. A source said the others were ‘too scared’ to do so in case it harmed their careers.

The women who did complain were emboldened after securing the backing of a well-known female radio presenter.

BBC bosses are now believed to have confronted the man. However, the women who reported him are understood to be increasingly angry that the BBC has taken a week to act.

Yesterday a BBC spokesman said: ‘We can’t comment on individuals but treat any allegations seriously and have processes in place for investigating them.’ The man declined to comment.