Jimmy Tarbuck arrested over child sex abuse allegations

Jimmy Tarbuck with his daughter, TV presenter Liza, in 2007 (Rex Features)

Entertainer Jimmy Tarbuck has been arrested by police investigating an allegation of sex abuse involving a boy dating back to the late 1970s.

The Kingston-upon-Thames home of the veteran comic, aged 73, was under siege from TV crews, but so far he and his manager have declined to comment on the claims. It emerged that Mr Tarbuck was bailed by North Yorkshire Police in relation to an alleged incident involving a young boy in Harrogate four decades ago. He was arrested at his home after officers were passed information by the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Yewtree, which was established in the wake of paedophile activities of the late Jimmy Savile. A dozen men have been arrested since it was founded including a number of celebrities.

North Yorkshire Police said it had not released details of Mr Tarbuck’s arrest last month in line with its force policy. The Liverpudlian comedian has been named in newspaper reports.