Investigation Into Clarkson 'Fracas' Under Way

The man tasked with investigating Jeremy Clarkson's "fracas" has reportedly begun his inquiry but the BBC is remaining silent over how long it will take.

Ken MacQuarrie, who is director of BBC Scotland, is in London to begin sorting out what is becoming an increasing embarrassment for the corporation.

Earlier Clarkson left his west London home and told reporters he was going for lunch with a friend - not to the inquiry.

Sources close to the investigation say it is impossible to put a deadline on its work until it hears from the two men central to the inquiry - Clarkson and producer Oisin Tymon.

The Top Gear host was suspended on Tuesday for allegedly punching Mr Tymon after filming for the show during a row over a hot meal at a hotel.

Sunday night's Top Gear episode was replaced with a programme about the Red Arrows. It is thought the viewing figures for BBC2's 8pm slot fell by around four million.

Communications watchdog Ofcom said it had received more than 100 complaints, with a spokesman saying it will take no action as it "can only assess a breach of the broadcasting code if a show has actually aired".

A BBC spokesman said: "The BBC's position is the one we set out in a statement last week. We have an investigation led by Ken MacQuarrie to establish the facts and people should wait for the outcome of that."

Clarkson is still scheduled to appear alongside co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond at four live shows in Norway on 27 and 28 March and a decision on whether to go ahead is expected early this week.

All three men's contracts expire three days after the Norway gigs, which could render any disciplinary hearings redundant.

The controversy took a further twist this weekend when victims of Jimmy Savile denounced comparisons of the support shown to Clarkson to the widespread protection offered to the dead paedophile presenter as "upsetting" and "totally offensive".

A senior figure at the BBC was reported as suggesting Clarkson is able to behave as he wishes because of his celebrated position and support from powerful friends, including the Prime Minister.

The Mail On Sunday claimed the BBC chief compared the support for Clarkson to the way sex offender Savile was defended.

The reported comments drew a furious response from victims of the former Radio 1 DJ.