Savile memorial plaque vandalised

Anger over Sir Jimmy Savile's alleged sex abuse, as more women make claims they were victims over many years, has led to a memorial being attacked and fears of further reprisals.

A historic rape allegation made against the late Top Of The Pops host has been referred to Scotland Yard by police in Surrey and there have been revelations that other allegations against Savile were dropped because of a lack of evidence.

The BBC has said it will assist police with investigations into child abuse claims involving the DJ and TV host, with the testimonies of a number of alleged victims due to be screened in a TV documentary.

A circular gold plaque in Scarborough, where the presenter had a home, was subject to a graffiti attack with the words "rapist" and "paedophile" written on it.

Authorities in the North Yorkshire town say they are now reviewing security at the cemetery where his headstone was placed, following his death last year. A statue of the star has also been taken down in Glasgow.

A number of police forces have confirmed they have received complaints of assaults by the Jim'll Fix It host over the years.

Jersey and Surrey police said they had both investigated accusations made against the entertainer about alleged abuse in two children's homes, but decided there was not enough evidence to proceed.

Police in Sussex confirmed that in 2008 a woman reported she had been indecently assaulted by Savile in Worthing in 1970. However, the woman said she did not wish to co-operate with any inquiry or prosecution.

The attack on the Scarborough memorial led to an appeal from North Yorkshire Police to refrain from committing further damage.

A spokeswoman said: "Police will investigate any allegations of criminal damage and deal with them appropriately. We would ask people that even if emotions are running high, not to engage in any criminal acts as they will be dealt with in the same way as any other criminal activity."