Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has spoken to BBC director-general Tim Davie and she says he has assured her the corporation is “investigating swiftly and sensitively” the allegations that an unnamed presenter paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.

Following the phone call with Davie, she said the broadcaster now needs to be given space to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

Her comments come after she urgently spoke to Mr Davie on the phone on Sunday, July 9 as the BBC came under pressure over its handling of the complaint.

BBC boss assures Lucy Frazer the corporation is investigating allegations 'swiftly and sensitively'

Following the phone call, she tweeted: “I have spoken to BBC director-general Tim Davie about the deeply concerning allegations involving one of its presenters.

“He has assured me the BBC are investigating swiftly and sensitively.”

She added: “Given the nature of the allegations it is important that the BBC is now given the space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts and take appropriate action. I will be kept updated.”

A DCMS spokeswoman previously said: “These allegations are deeply concerning.

“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with the department kept informed.”