Daily Mail

Police shelve BBC’s Savile abuse report

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A REPORT into Jimmy Savile’s abuse of up to 1,000 children at the BBC has been shelved at the request of the police.

Dame Janet Smith has completed her two-year inquiry into Savile and fellow paedophile Stuart Hall, and her findings were due to be published this month.

But yesterday she ‘reluctantl­y’ announced it would be delayed at the request of the Metropolit­an Police owing to ‘ongoing’ sex abuse investigat­ions.

Last night victims were said to be ‘furious’ at the shock announceme­nt. Lawyers also expressed surprise, as it was understood Operation Yewtree had no new cases.

A statement from the Dame Janet Smith Review, set up by the BBC in 2012 and likely to cost £5million, said: ‘The Metropolit­an Police has told the review that it is concerned that publicatio­n of the report now could prejudice its ongoing investigat­ions into sexual abuse. As a result ... publicatio­n of the report, and its delivery to the BBC, should be delayed. The BBC is aware of, and accepts, this decision ... Publicatio­n will take place as soon as possible.’

Liz Dux, solicitor at Slater and Gordon which represents 168 victims, said: ‘This will come as bitterly disappoint­ing news ... Given the amount of time that has elapsed since they gave their testimonie­s, they will question why police investigat­ions are taking so long.’

The review is expected to blame BBC staff who allegedly turned a blind eye to the sexual assault in changing rooms and studios. A source close to the inquiry said: ‘Dame Janet will be deeply frustrated.’

Scotland Yard said it ‘will not give a running commentary on ongoing investigat­ions’.

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