Detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal have arrested PR consultant Max Clifford

Mr Clifford was held held on suspicion of sexual offences and taken to a central London police station.

He was arrested as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into allegations of sex abuse surrounding Savile and others, Scotland Yard said.

The force is leading the national probe into claims made against the disgraced TV presenter and figures in the entertainment industry.

The man is the fifth suspect to be arrested - and sixth person to be questioned - in connection with the Yewtree operation which has already cost around £2 million and involves a team of 30 officers.

A Met spokesman said: "The individual falls under the strand of the investigation we have termed 'Others'."

Last week a man aged in his 80s from Berkshire was interviewed by detectives, also as part of the investigation that does not directly relate to Savile.

Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr, DJ Dave Lee Travis and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De'Ath, have been arrested and bailed as part of the probe.

Last month the force said it was dealing with around 450 potential victims, the vast majority of whom claimed they had fallen prey to Savile.

Officers are looking at three strands within their inquiry: claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others.