He was last night charged with three “historic” offences of indecent assault against young girls.
The veteran broadcaster, 82, who still covers football for BBC Radio 5 Live, was detained in a dawn swoop yesterday.
The alleged offences took place between 1974 and 1984 and involved three girls aged between eight and 17, police said.
He was released without charge on an allegation of rape and a further claim of indecent assault.
Hall, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, was bailed to appear before magistrates in Preston on January 7.
John Dilworth, Head of CPS North West Complex Casework Unit, said: “The charges are that between September 1, 1974, and December 31, 1974, he indecently assaulted a woman who was then aged 16 or 17; that between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1983, he indecently assaulted a girl then aged eight or nine, and that between July 1, 1984, and September 27, 1984, he indecently assaulted a girl then aged 13.”
He presented regional BBC show Look North-West and was the original host of A Question Of Sport.
But he shot to national fame in 1972 hosting game show It’s A Knockout, which included a special royal edition.
He was awarded an OBE this year for his services to broadcasting and charity.
His arrest comes two months after fellow BBC star Jimmy Savile was exposed as a paedophile in an ITV documentary.
A BBC spokesman said: “In light of the very serious nature of these charges, Stuart Hall will not be working at the BBC while police inquiries continue.”
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
