BBC confirms six complaints of sexual misconduct against DJ Tim Westwood

The BBC has confirmed it received six complaints against radio host Tim Westwood, including one that was referred to police. The broadcaster had previously denied there was any evidence of complaints against the veteran host.

The hip-hop DJ stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April after several women accused the presenter of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour.

In allegations reported by BBC News and The Guardian, the DJ, aged 64, allegedly abused his position in the music industry in order to take advantage of seven women in their late teens or early 20s. Westwood strongly denies these allegations.

In April, Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said the allegations made against Westwood were "shocking" but he had seen "no evidence of complaints."

At the Voice Of The Listener And Viewer spring conference in April, Mr Davie spoke about the allegations, saying: "I've seen no evidence of complaints. I've asked and we looked at our records and we've seen no evidence."

Now, after a joint investigation by BBC News and The Guardian, where the companies original handling of a Freedom Of Information request was brought into question, the corporation has confirmed it received six complaints, including one referred to police.

A BBC statement discussing the police referral said: "This is an historic case that the BBC has found in its files. We are establishing the facts around it. It did not relate to conduct at the BBC, BBC premises, or conduct towards a BBC staff member, nor was it an accusation of physical assault."

BBC have not confirmed when the other five complaints were made.

The corporation said it is investigating what happened "with great care" and will ensure it confirms findings in the future so this won't happen again.

A BBC spokesman said: "As we have said, if people have things that they want to raise with the BBC, then they should do so. People have now done so, and we will continue to investigate.

"We also said that we would dig into what happened in the past. We are doing that with great care. All of that work hasn't concluded and is ongoing. We said we would take this seriously, and we are. When that work has concluded, we will say more."

When a BBC Three documentary titled Tim Westwood: Abuse Of Power aired at the end of April, a representative said Westwood "strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing" detailed in the doc.

A statement to the PA news agency said: "Tim Westwood strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour. In a career that has spanned 40 years, there have never been any complaints made against him officially or unofficially. Tim Westwood strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing."

The Lowestoft born former DJ began his career on local radio before joining Capital Radio in London. He was later given his own show by BBC Radio 1. The radio presenter, referred to as "The Big Dawg", left Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years and returned to Capital Xtra to host a regular show on Saturday nights.