BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills has issued his first public statement since being dismissed from the corporation, confirming he was investigated by police over historical allegations.

The 53-year-old radio presenter was investigated over allegations of serious sexual offences against a boy under the age of 16, with the alleged incidents occurring between 1997 and 2000. Mills was subsequently cleared by police.

The BBC has acknowledged it knew about the police investigation in 2017. A corporation spokesperson stated the BBC is "doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC" regarding the matter.

In his statement, Mills said the announcement of his dismissal had led "to the publication of rumour and speculation." The presenter thanked colleagues and listeners for their support following his departure from the radio station.

Mills had been a long-serving presenter at BBC Radio, having worked for the corporation for many years before his recent dismissal. The BBC has not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding his departure or the timeline of internal decision-making regarding the investigation.