BBC launches probe into Clarkson row

BBC director-general Tony Hall has refused to “speculate” on Jeremy Clarkson’s future as the broadcaster launched an investigation into the fracas that saw the Top Gear host suspended.

Clarkson is alleged to have punched producer Oisin Tymon after a row because he could not order a steak.

Hall said the internal investigation would “get the people who are impacted by this together”.

“There is a lot of speculation, we have got to establish the facts and I intend to do that before we come to a final decision,” he said.

The Top Gear star has attracted high-profile support with British prime minister David Cameron saying he hoped the situation could be resolved so his children would not be left “heartbroken”.

Reports suggest Clarkson had been unhappy at being unable to get hot food at Simonstone Hall Hotel near Hawes, North Yorkshire, where the crew were staying after filming.

The Sun and Mirror reported the hotel’s chef had gone home by the time they arrived and the stars were offered cold meat platters, although the presenter requested a £21.95 steak.

The papers quoted a source who claimed Clarkson blamed Tymon for not arranging hot food and described the incident as a “scuffle”.