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PREDATOR Jimmy Savile was quizzed on suspicion of being the Yorkshire Ripper, it was revealed last night.

Savile was brought in for questioning after a member of the public contacted the police, giving the DJ and TV host’s name as the possible murderer.

Former West Yorkshire detective John Stainthorpe, 80, said: “When the Ripper was really active, one of the suspects put forward was Jimmy Savile.

“Obviously it was not him, but he was interviewed along with many others, as you can appreciate.”

Mass killer Peter Sutcliffe murdered third victim Irene Richardson yards from the paedophile DJ’s penthouse in Leeds.

Broadmoor visitor Savile befriended Sutcliffe, now 66, after the Ripper was moved to the secure hospital, where he’s being held indefinitely.

Mr Stainthorpe added: “He was interviewed along with thousands of others and gave an explanation for where he had been at the time of the murders.

“Knowing what is known now, the person putting forward Savile was aiming in the right direction because child perverts soon become child killers.”

In 1981, Sutcliffe was convicted of murdering 13 women and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Savile regularly visited him in custody and the pair became friends.

Yesterday, Sutcliffe rubbished claims Savile abused 300 victims over six decades, saying those making allegations were “jumping on the bandwagon”.

Mr Stainthorpe said: “Sutcliffe and Savile were big buddies so I’m not surprised Sutcliffe has taken his side.”

He said he did not interview Savile, adding: “He was certainly not a prime suspect. He was questioned about his movements and he certainly was not the Ripper.”