BBC Director-General Tony Hall has reportedly received death threats since it was decided Jeremy Clarkson’s contract would not be renewed.
Security staff have been seen on patrol outside Hall’s Oxfordshire mansion at a reported cost of £1,000 a day, with police investigating and the BBC refusing to make any official comment.
Clarkson’s Top Gear contract was brought to an end after he allegedly verbally and physically attacked producer OisÃn Tymon at a hotel in North Yorkshire.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police in Westminster are investigating an allegation of threats to kill. The allegation was reported to police on Wednesday March 25. Inquiries continue. No arrests have been made.”
The BBC’s top executive and his wife have been under armed guard since the first threat was received, with the BBC’s head of security asking for ex-special forces soldiers to join the team.
