The BBC knew about a police investigation into DJ Scott Mills in 2017 but obtained new information in the weeks prior to his sacking, a spokesperson for the corporation said.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter was axed from his role on Monday, March 30, in connection with a 2016 police investigation into a serious sexual offence involving a teenage boy.

In a fresh statement issued to the Mirror, the BBC also confirmed it was "made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made."

It pledged it was "doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time."

The statement read: "Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.

"We also recognise there's been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved."

"What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday 27 March.

"The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards. Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.

"Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made. We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time."

This week it was revealed that Mills had been questioned by police in 2018 over allegations involving the unnamed teenager. The Met Police has since confirmed the boy was under 16. A complete file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.