Jim Davidson arrested over new sexual offence claims

Comedian Jim Davidson was arrested again as he answered bail following allegations of sex offences dating back as long as 35 years (Rex Features)

The comedian Jim Davidson was arrested again yesterday following new allegations of sex offences.

He was originally held in January as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation prompted by the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal. Further complaints have been received by police in recent weeks, prompting the re-arrest.

Henri Brandman, his solicitor, said Davidson, 59, "vigorously denies" all the allegations made against him.

He 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."

Davidson, a former presenter of BBC TV's Generation Game, was later released on bail until May. He is one of 11 people arrested so far as part of Operation Yewtree.