Jimmy Tarbuck becomes latest public figure arrested in Operation Yewtree child sex abuse inquiry

The comedian Jimmy Tarbuck has been arrested in connection with a historical child sex abuse inquiry and released on bail (PA)

The comedian Jimmy Tarbuck has been arrested in connection with a historical child sex abuse inquiry and released on bail, it was reported last night.

The 73-year-old comedian was detained at his home in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London, and questioned for several hours following an arrest on Friday 26 April.

The arrest arises from allegations made to Scotland Yard officers working on Operation Yewtree, set up after the revelations about Jimmy Savile’s sex abuse.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said last night that the arrest did not fall under the Operation Yewtree investigation but that information received in light of the inquiry had been passed on.

A statement from North Yorkshire police last night said: “We can confirm that a 73-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a historic child sex abuse investigation in Harrogate. He was released on police bail pending further enquiries.'

Tarbuck launched his career at Pwllheli holiday camp in North Wales in the 1950s, and made his TV debut in 1963, becoming a familiar face thanks to a string of variety and stand-up series.

Police have arrested 13 men as part of Operation Yewtree, including convicted paedophile Gary Glitter, comics Freddie Starr and Jim Davidson, publicist Max Clifford, presenter Rolf Harris and DJ Dave Lee Travis. All deny any wrongdoing and investigations are continuing.