Max Clifford has protested his innocence after being arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, describing the allegations as "damaging and totally untrue".

It comes after the PR guru was held at his Surrey home on Thursday morning on suspicion of sexual offences and taken to Belgravia police station in central London for questioning.

He was arrested as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into allegations of sex abuse surrounding Savile and others, before being bailed at around 9.20pm.

Speaking outside the police station, a shocked-looking Clifford said: "These allegations are damaging and totally untrue. On a personal level, they are very distressing for myself, my wife, my family and loved ones.

"Anyone who really knew me all those years ago and those who have known me since will have no doubt that I would never act in the way that I have today been accused."

Answering questions from reporters, Clifford said he thought he was facing two allegations dating back to 1977.

He is the latest in a string of high-profile celebrites who have been arrested including radio presenter Dave Lee Travis, comedian Freddie Starr and pop star Gary Glitter.