The Jimmy Savile scandal has taken a new turn with the police rebailing comedian Freddie Starr and publicist Max Clifford until next year to return on dates in February and March pending further inquiries under Operation Yewtree.

The police had arrested 69-year-old Freddie Starr in Warwickshire on November 1 as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into allegations of sex abuse surrounding Jimmy Savile and others. PR specialist Max Clifford was arrested on December 6 at his Surrey home on suspected sexual offences. Both the suspects denied any wrongdoings.

Former pop star Gary Glitter and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De’Ath - also among those arrested as part of Operation Yewtree - were re-bailed by police last week.

Meanwhile, police have confirmed to have received six allegations in connection with Jimmy Savile sex abuse claims from Cornwall and Devon. The Cornwall and Devon police are said to be working in collaboration with Operation Yewtree investigating officers.

Operation Yewtree has three strands. One strand is examining specifically the actions of Jimmy Savile, while the second strand concerns allegations against “Savile and others”. The separate third strand relates to alleged complaints against other people unconnected to the Jimmy Savile investigations. Operation Yewtree operation, which has 30 officers, has already cost about £2m.

Ten weeks since the launch of Operation Yewtree, police have recorded 199 crimes in 17 force areas in which Jimmy Savile is a suspect, with 31 allegations of rape recorded against him in seven force areas. Police and the NSPCC are compiling a report, which it is hoped will be published in the new year, to provide an overview of Savile’s activities.