DLT taken off air after arrest (From Braintree and Witham Times)

DLT taken off air after arrest

11:50am Friday 16th November 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

DJ Dave Lee Travis has been taken "off air with immediate effect" by radio station Magic AM after his arrest on Thursday.

Travis, who was arrested by officers investigating the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, presents a weekend show on the station.

A spokeswoman for Bauer Media which owns Magic AM said: "Following the arrest and release on police bail of Dave Lee Travis, Bauer Media has decided to take him off air with immediate effect from his Magic AM weekend shows, which broadcast across the north of England.

"We understand that the allegations about which he was questioned by police pre-date his time as a freelance contributor to Magic AM.

"While we can make no judgment on the matters under investigation, we believe it would be inappropriate for him to broadcast until they are resolved."

The former Radio 1 star, from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, was held at 7.45am on Thursday on suspicion of sexual offences and bailed later to return in early January. Police said the allegations do not directly involve Savile, and are classed under the strand of their investigation termed "others".

The latest arrest came as the Metropolitan Police revealed they are now dealing with around 450 potential victims, the majority of whom claim they fell prey to Savile. This has risen from around 300 possible victims the force said they were dealing with last month.

Officers are looking at three strands within their inquiry: claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others.

Most of the "others" allegations have been made against people associated with the entertainment industry. Ex-glam rocker Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr and a 73-year-old man have already been arrested and bailed in connection with the investigation.

A 1977 episode of Top Of The Pops featuring Travis was due to be shown on BBC4 on Thursday night but was pulled. Last month Travis vigorously denied allegations that he groped two women while in BBC studios.