Sir Jimmy Savile's gravestone removed

North Yorkshire Police have received an allegation of a sexual offence linked to Sir Jimmy Savile. They say it is alleged to have taken place in Scarborough in the late 1980s and involved a young girl.

It is the first report received by the North Yorkshire force and has now been referred to the Metropolitan Police who are co-ordinating the Savile investigation. Police say the alleged victim was not from Scarborough and now lives in the Midlands.

The headstone of the late Sir Jimmy Savile has been removed from his grave in North Yorkshire.

Scarborough Borough Council said the memorial was removed from Woodland's Cemetary in the early hours of this morning.

It follows accusations the former television presenter sexually abused young girls. The work was carried out on behalf of Savile's family.

Funeral Director, Robert Morphet speaks to ITV Daybreak about Sir Jimmy Savile's family's decision to have the headstone removed.

A spokesperson for Scarborough Borough Council said:

"We have been advised by the funeral directors, Joseph A Hey and Son, acting on behalf of Jimmy Savile's family, that the headstone at Woodlands Cemetery has been removed."

The headstone on Sir Jimmy Savile's grave has been removed after his family requested it be taken away out of "respect to public opinion".

Savile's family said they made the decision to ensure the "dignity and sanctity" of Woodlands Cemetery in Scarborough.

Scarborough Borough Council said work to dismantle the memorial headstone, which bears Sir Jimmy Savile's image and lists his accomplishments, was carried out shortly after midnight.