POLICE are investigating whether Jimmy Savile sexually assaulted a Gwent woman, it emerged today.

Gwent Police say they received an allegation on October 6 which they have now passed on to the Metropolitan Police, which is co-ordinating the investigation into Savile's alleged sex attacks on a number of girls.

The woman, who lives in Gwent, told police she was sexually assaulted by the TV presenter and DJ in the 1970s when she was 16. She had been living outside the force area at the time of the incident.

"All the relevant information has been passed to the Met," a Gwent Police spokesman said.

Scotland Yard now has 340 lines of inquiry involving 40 potential victims.

Savile, who died last year aged 84, presented Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It in the 1970s and 1980s. The BBC, his employer, has also launched two inquiries.

There are reports today that Savile may have abused as many as 60 people with allegations dating back to 1959.