Paul Gambaccini today warned of a "false allegation crisis" as he launches a petition to give anonymity to people suspected of sexual offences.

The BBC radio presenter and Sir Cliff Richard, who both had cases against them dropped, are fronting a campaign calling for suspects to remain nameless until they are charged.

The pair have launched a petition and are hoping to win a debate in Parliament. The End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) has urged for the campaign to be dropped, claiming it to be "misdirected".

Radio presenter Gambaccini was accused of sexually assaulting two boys when he was arrested in October 2013 as part of Operation Yewtree, which was set up in the wake of revelations about paedophile Jimmy Savile.

He spent a year on bail before the case was dropped.