Savile’s Glen Coe cottage searched by police

POLICE have searched Jimmy Savile’s cottage in Glen Coe as part of the investigation into the widespread sex abuse allegations against him, with 300 potential victims nowidentified.

It comes as the Metropolitan Po l i c e described the late entertainer as one of the most prolific sex offenders in recent history, with officers now involved in a “watershed” investigation.

Commander Pe t e r Spindler, who is heading the Met inquiry, said the search of the cottage belonging to Savile, called Alt na Reigh, was being carried out to look for “evidence of any others being involved in any offending with him”.

Northern Constabulary confirmedit had beenworking at the property, which Savile bought in 1998 and hadbeenduetobeconverted into a retreat for the disabled following his death.

The property, where he once hosted Prince Charles, is virtually untouched since he last visited in August 2011, with his personal possessions still inside.

Although two charitable trusts set up by Savile will be wound up with monies distributed to other charities, no decision has been taken yet onwhat to do with assets such as the cottage, which was also to welcome mountain rescue staff, climbers andwalkers.

Meanwhile, Mr Spindler said suspects other than Savile had been accused, with officers “developing an arrest strategy” although no- one has yet been detained or interviewed under caution.

Mr Spindler said Savile was “undoubtedly” one of the most prolific sex offenders he had come across. He added: “Within Londonwe have trebled the number of historic abuse allegations.

“I have no doubt that we’re in a watershed moment for a child abuse investigation, and Operation Yewtree will be a landmark investigation.”