Ex-inspector cleared by watchdog over Savile interview claims

A former inspector has been cleared by the police watchdog over claims he "acted on behalf" of Jimmy Savile by contacting officers before an interview.

The officer, who was from West Yorkshire Police, was accused of contacting Surrey Police before they questioned Savile over alleged sexual offences in 2009.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) tonight said the officer has "no case to answer".

An IPCC spokesman said: "An IPCC investigation has concluded that a former West Yorkshire Police officer has no case to answer over allegations that he 'acted on behalf' of Jimmy Savile by inappropriately contacting Surrey Police ahead of a police interview in 2009."

West Yorkshire Police was ordered by the IPCC in 2013 to refer the conduct of the officer.

The force said it had no comment to make tonight.