Jimmy Tarbuck released without charges over historic sex abuse allegations

Veteran comedian was arrested last year over allegations of historic sexual abuse

Jimmy Tarbuck released without charge over historic sex abuse allegations (PA)

Jimmy Tarbuck has been released without charges after he was arrested over allegations of historic sexual abuse going back to the 1970s.

The 74-year-old was arrested in April last year by North Yorkshire Police after they were passed information by Metropolitan Police officers working on Operation Yewtree.

Authorities did not name him but said: "North Yorkshire Police can confirm that a 74-year-old man from Kingston upon Thames has been released without charge following an investigation into historic sexual abuse.

"The man was originally arrested on Friday 26 April 2013 after information was passed to North Yorkshire Police by Metropolitan Police officers working on Operation Yewtree.

"Following a detailed investigation, evidence was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service and a decision was made not to proceed with the case."

The comedian had been accused of assaulting a young boy in the late 1970s in Harrogate.

Operation Yewtree 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.