The inquiry into alleged child sex abuse by Sir Jimmy Savile is now a formal criminal investigation, Scotland Yard has said.

In a statement released on Friday police said 400 lines of enquiry had been assessed and over 200 potential victims had been identified.

Commander Peter Spindler said the force was "dealing with alleged abuse on an unprecedented scale".

jimmy savile

Police have identified more than 200 potential victims

"The profile of this operation has empowered a staggering number of victims to come forward to report the sexual exploitation which occurred during their childhood.

"I am pleased that victims feel confident enough to speak out about the abuse they suffered and would like to reassure the public that we take all these cases very seriously and they will be investigated with the utmost sensitivity."

Anyone with information or concerns is urged to call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

SEE ALSO:
  • Jimmy Savile Sexually Assaulted Us: Four Women Come Forward On Eve Of Documentary (PICTURES)
  • Loading Slideshow...
    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      A general view showing flowers left on the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile in Woodlands Cemetery, Scarborough, after the headstone was removed overnight at the request of Savile's family.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      Bunches of flowers left at the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile after his headstone was removed in the middle of the night.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      A message alongside bunches of flowers left at the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile after his headstone was removed in the middle of the night.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      Funeral director Robert Morphet stands next to the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile in Woodlands Cemetery, Scarborough, where he assisted the local council in removing the headstone at the request of Savile's family.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      Funeral director Robert Morphet stands next to the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile in Woodlands Cemetery, Scarborough, where he assisted the local council in removing the headstone at the request of Savile's family.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      A general view showing flowers left on the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile in Woodlands Cemetery, Scarborough, where the headstone was removed overnight at the request of Savile's family.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      A general view showing flowers left on the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile in Woodlands Cemetery, Scarborough, after the headstone was removed overnight at the request of Savile's family.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      A message left at the grave of Sir Jimmy Savile in Woodlands Cemetery, Scarborough, after the headstone was removed overnight at the request of Savile's family.

    • Headstone of Sir Jimmy Savile removed

      A general view showing the sign at the entrance to Woodlands Cemetery, Scarborough, where Sir Jimmy Savile is buried.