BBC phone-in scandal prompts suspensions

LONDON, July 19 (UPI) -- The BBC Thursday suspended staff members in the wake of a phone-in scandal as British law enforcement agencies consider whether to launch a criminal probe.

"We can confirm that a small number of staff have been asked to step aside from their duties whilst we review issues surrounding the incidents" of faking phone-in competition results, the BBC said in a statement.

The BBC admitted Wednesday that six shows, including fundraisers "Comic Relief," "Sports Relief" and "Children In Need," used fake competition winners for viewer phone-ins. The BBC suspended all phone-in competitions.

The suspensions were made as a matter of policy, the corporation said, and "should not be taken to mean that we have already made a judgment," the Daily Mail reported. Staff members suspended were thought to be at the level of executive producer or higher.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair said he plans to meet with the head of Scotland Yard's specialist crime directorate to discuss the matter. While not ruling out a formal police investigation, Blair said, "It is probably a bit too early to tell at the moment, but if we are requested to investigate it we will."