Jim Davidson arrested by Savile probe cops

Veteran comic Jim Davidson has been arrested by cops probing the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal.

Davidson, 59, was one of two men arrested today on suspicion of sexual offences as part of Operation Yewtree.

He is understood to have been detained at London's Heathrow airport after flying into the country ahead of a planned appearance on telly show Celebrity Big Brother, which starts tomorrow night.

Police said a 59-year-old man was arrested in "west London" at noon and taken into custody at a London police station.

Uniformed police were stationed at Davidson's pink-coloured home in Stockbridge, Hants today.

And, earlier this afternoon three people - believed to be plain clothes police officers - arrived at the house and let themselves in. At least one was carrying clear evidence bags.

Asked if they were police officers, one answered: "We might be."

After entering the property they drew the curtains on windows on the ground floor.

Police also confirmed a 53 year-old man was arrested at an address in Hampshire at 8.00am and taken to a nearby police station for questioning.

They are the ninth and tenth people arrested as part of Operation Yewtree - the investigation into sex abuse allegations against Savile "and others".

Other high-profile names include former pop star Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr, and publicist Max Clifford.

In a statement, police said the new arrests were not directly connected to Savile, adding: "Both individuals fall under the strand of the investigation we have termed 'others'."

Last night Davidson's agent Laurie Mansfield declined to comment.

I somehow get the feeling that the original investigation (paedophilia) is being deliberately overshadowed here.