BBC boss promises Savile inquiry

The BBC's Director General has said he would like to "apologise on behalf of the organisation" in the wake of the allegations of sexual abuse against former DJ Sir Jimmy Savile.

George Entwistle also confirmed the BBC would conduct an inquiry following a police investigation.

He spoke out a day after Prime Minister David Cameron called for allegations of sexual abuse against the late celebrity to be fully investigated.

Mr Cameron said the claims from a number of women which have emerged over recent weeks that they were abused by Savile as teenagers were "truly shocking" and said the allegations should be looked into by the BBC - which employed Savile at the time - and, if necessary, by the police.

Former Radio 1 DJ Liz Kershaw has described how she was routinely groped by another presenter as she was broadcasting.

Ms Kershaw, who now works for Radio 6 Music, said that when she joined Radio 1 in 1987 - the year Savile left - his behaviour was an "open secret" at the station.

TV and radio presenter Sandi Toksvig has also told how she was groped on air by a "famous individual" 30 years ago.

Ms Toksvig, who declined to name the celebrity, said when she informed other staff what had happened they thought it was funny.

Police child abuse officers have met BBC officials to discuss allegations over Savile, Scotland Yard said.

Mr Entwistle said any investigation needed to be done in "two phases", and the BBC would "take a look properly" after the police inquiry.