POLICE investigating an allegation of rape and indecent assault have arrested veteran BBC commentator Stuart Hall.

The 82-year-old former It's A Knockout presenter was detained this morning, sources said.

Lancashire Police did not name Hall but said a suspect was arrested at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, earlier today.

He was taken to a police station for questioning on the allegations, described as "historic".

A police spokesman said: "An 82-year-old man from Wilmslow in Cheshire has this morning been arrested by Lancashire Police at his home address on suspicion of rape and indecent assault.

"The man will be interviewed at a police station during the course of the day.

"The allegations are historic. We are not prepared to discuss further.

"We take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously.

"We would encourage people with any information about sexual abuse or who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward and report their concerns, confident in the knowledge it will be investigated appropriately and with sensitivity."