Jimmy Savile's former flatmate Ray Teret released on bail

Jimmy Savile's former flatmate and chauffeur was released on bail today after he was arrested over historic abuse allegations.

Ray Teret was one of two men held on suspicion of rape yesterday by detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) investigating three separate claims of sexual abuse.

The two men, aged 61 and 71, were arrested in Altrincham, Trafford.

Police emphasised that the accusations were not linked to the national inquiry into abuse by disgraced TV presenter Savile, with whom Teret worked and once shared a flat.

A GMP spokesman said: "A 71-year-old man and a 61-year-old man arrested on suspicion of rape yesterday have been bailed until November 29 pending further inquiries."

Speaking yesterday, Detective Inspector Simon Davies said: "The arrest follows an investigation by the serious sexual offences unit into three separate allegations of historic sexual abuse which have been reported to Greater Manchester Police since October 28.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that this is not an investigation into the late Jimmy Savile, nor do any of the allegations relate to any involvement by Savile.

"The victims who have come forward have shown tremendous courage and our primary focus is to support these victims during what is clearly a very traumatic time for them. We have a duty to investigate their complaints thoroughly."

Meanwhile Savile's nephew Guy Marsden backed calls for the body of the Top of the Pops presenter to be exhumed and cremated.

He said on Wednesday that he "100%" supported families who called for Savile's body to be moved away from the graves of their loved ones in Scarborough's Woodlands Cemetery following claims that Savile abused 300 people over six decades.

Mr Marsden, from Leeds, said: "If it was one of mine who was buried there, I wouldn't like it if someone like Jimmy was in the same place."

PA