Scott Mills has spoken out for the first time since he was sacked from the BBC. In a statement, the former BBC Radio 2 presenter addressed his departure and confirmed he was investigated over "serious sexual offences against a teenage boy" back in 2018. He said: "The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this, the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.

"An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges."

"Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter."

He concluded: "I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss."

Mills was pulled off air last week and replaced by Gary Davies after allegations were made over his "personal conduct". In a statement, the BBC said it obtained "new information relating to Scott" and after speaking to him, "acted decisively in line with our culture and values" and terminated his contract.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed the corporation was made aware of the investigation into Mills in 2017. "We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time," the statement added.

The alleged offences are reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000. The investigation, which began in 2016, was closed in 2019 after authorities determined there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

She said: "Someone who knew I used to work for the BBC volunteered some information about Scott Mills messaging someone inappropriately.

"It was a credible source and I was concerned so I decided to contact the BBC to make them aware of it and see if they came back with anything. I didn’t get a response."

There is no suggestion that the issues raised by Brees relate to the same alleged victim involved in the 2018 police interview with Mills.