Police shelve BBC’s Savile abuse report

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’.