BBC SUSPENDS STAR ACCUSED OF PAYING TEEN FOR PHOTOS

Corporation in turmoil over disturbing claims against 'household name'

- Giles Sheldrick

A WELL-KNOWN male presenter who is accused of paying a teenager £35,000 for explicit pictures was suspended by the BBC last night as police were told of the allegations.

Boss Tim Davie, left, was summoned to crisis talks after it emerged the corporation has known about the claims for two months. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer ordered director-general Mr Davie to get his house in order. Hours later the Met were informed of the shocking claims.

Ms Frazer revealed: "I spoke about the deeply concerning allegations involving one of its presenters. [Mr Davie] assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively.

"Given the nature of the allegations, it is important the BBC is now given the space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts and take appropriate action. I will be kept updated."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "The Met has received initial contact from the BBC in relation to this matter, but no formal referral or allegation has been made.

"We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow."

The alleged victim's mother has said the family complained directly to the BBC in May, demanding the presenter stop sending their child money.

But it has since been claimed that even after the star was made aware of the BBC's involvement, he continued to funnel money and remained on air - even attending an awards party with BBC bosses.

The alleged victim is said to have plunged into a spiral of despair from a "happy-golucky youngster to a ghost-like crack addict" in months.

It is claimed the mother once heard the BBC star saying, "I told you not to f****** ring me" and found a picture of the presenter in his underwear on her child's phone.

She said: "I immediately recognised him. He was leaning forward getting ready for my child to perform for him.