One of the BBC's leading presenters has been suspended over allegations that he paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos.

The broadcaster says it's working to establish facts around the unnamed male presenter, who's a regular presenter and a "household name".

London's Met Police says while no formal referral or allegation has been made, it's received initial contact from the BBC.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that the broadcaster is taking the allegations very seriously.

The allegations are that the presenter paid the equivalent of 70 to 80-thousand NZD for explicit photos of the teenager over a three year period.

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