Davidson 'vigorously denies' claims

Comedian Jim Davidson "vigorously denies" allegations made against him after the star was rearrested over further alleged sex offences.

The 59-year-old faces allegations from "several women" over offences which date back up to 35 years, his solicitor said. Davidson answered bail on Wednesday and was rearrested after police received further complaints.

His solicitor Henri Brandman said his client "vigorously denies" all the allegations against him.

Mr Brandman said: "Several women have made allegations in respect of Jim that date back on average 20 years, one dating back 35 years. The complainants were all adults at the time of the alleged events.

"Jim vigorously denies the allegations. He answered police questions as fully as he is able after this passage of time. He has not been charged with any offences."

The former Big Break and Generation Game host answered bail after he was held in January by detectives working on Operation Yewtree, the national investigation prompted by the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said a 59-year-old man had been "further arrested on suspicion of sexual offences in connection with further allegations made to Operation Yewtree". He was arrested on January 2 in west London, along with a 53-year-old who was held in Hampshire. They both answered bail and were released until May.

In January, Mr Brandman issued a statement relating to the initial allegations, which were made by two women in relation to alleged events 25 years ago.

He said at the time: "The complainants were then in their mid-20s. Jim vigorously denies the allegations. He answered police questions as fully as he was able after this passage of time."

So far 11 people have been arrested under Operation Yewtree.