Savile victims launch legal action in Britain: Lawyer

LONDON (AFP) - Lawyers for 31 alleged victims of sex abuse by late television presenter Jimmy Savile said Wednesday they have launched legal action against the star's estate and the BBC.

Solicitor Alan Collins confirmed to AFP that a writ has been issued at the High Court in London in relation to alleged abuse by the BBC entertainer, who died in 2011 aged 84.

"The purpose of issuing the writ is to protect our clients' position and to seek management directions from the court to ensure the claims are administered as efficiently as possible," he said.

"At this stage we are unable to expand in detail on the nature of the cases or the allegations that have been made, which range in seriousness from inappropriate behaviour to serious sexual abuse."