
, after a whistle-blower told police he witnessed a successful three-year grant renewal application for £35,000 in 1980
, implying that a similar grant had been made in 1977



The pop star is accused of abuse dating back several decades. Police are examining a number of witness statements alleging historical sex assaults by him, it was claimed yesterday.
The musician, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is said to be petrified of being arrested by detectives and has recently held a number of frantic meetings with his lawyers.
Yesterday a source close to the inquiry said: ‘This is huge, and detectives are examining more than one witness statement. The alleged victim was very young at the time, which makes it a more serious allegation. This inquiry is not going to go away, and police will make arrests when they feel they have enough to do so.’