 The BBC has been asked by the Met Police to pause its investigation into allegations one of its presenters paid a teenager for explicit images. BBC director-general Tim Davie issued a statement at the BBC annual report press briefing today, confirming the latest development. He said police asked them to put their own efforts on hold while officers 'scope future work'. Mr Davie said: 'It's important to give you an update on the latest developments. 'This is clearly a complex and difficult situation where we need to manage a number of factors – properly responding to serious allegations, sensitively managing duty of care issues, appropriately respecting the privacy of individuals and justified public interest. 'We do believe we are navigating these responsibly and judicially but we recognise it's not easy to do so. 'As you know, the BBC Corporate Investigations Team had a meeting with the police in relation to the information provided to the BBC by the Sun newspaper on Thursday July 6. 'As a result of this the BBC has been asked to pause its own investigation into the allegations while they scope future work. We will pass any material that we have to them. 'We know that questions have been asked how this case was initially managed and the timeline of events, so today we have published an update that sets out key dates and further detail. 'The BBC has processes and protocols for receiving information and managing allegations when they are made. 'We always take these matters seriously and seek to manage them with care. 'The events of recent days have shown how complex and challenging these kinds of cases can be and how vital it is they are handled with the upmost diligence. 'That is why it is important that we ensure these processes are robust and working appropriately. 'Of course there will be lessons to be learnt, and how processes could be improved. 'Immediately I have asked that we assess){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The BBC has been asked by the Met Police to pause its investigation into allegations one of its presenters paid a teenager for explicit images.
A male member of staff at the corporation was suspended after a report published by The Sun claimed he had paid a youngster £35,000 for sexual photos.
The anonymous presenter is accused of appearing in his underwear in a video call with the person, who was 17 when reported payments began.
He allegedly made ‘panicked’ phone calls to the person to try to get their mum ‘stop the investigation’, according to The Sun.