Liz Kershaw claims she was groped on air

Former Radio 1 DJ Liz Kershaw from Rochdale claims she was groped while broadcasting in the 1980s.

Ms Kershaw, now a presenter on BBC Radio 6 Music, said one Radio 1 presenter "routinely groped" her during her time at the station.

The BBC said it was "shocked" by the allegation and encouraged "anyone with information on such issues to also speak to the police".

Ms Kershaw, 54, who joined Radio 1 in 1987, said the station had changed out of all recognition since the 1980s.

She described the atmosphere at Radio 1 at the time as "intimidating".

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme she remembered the unnamed presenter fondling her breasts while she was on live radio.

"I couldn't say anything, I couldn't even exclaim because I was broadcasting to the nation," she said.

"When I complained to somebody they were incredulous and said 'Don't you like it? Are you a lesbian?"'

Whitworth born Ms Kershaw, who joined from BBC local radio in West Yorkshire, said: "When I walked into Radio 1 it was a culture I have never encountered before.

"I have always said it was like walking into a rugby club locker room and it was very intimidating for a young woman."

Referring to Ms Kershaw's claims about her time at Radio 1, a BBC spokesman said: "We are shocked by allegations that anything of this sort could have been carried out by anyone working for the BBC.

"They are allegations which the police have the proper powers to investigate. We would encourage anyone with information on such issues to also speak to the police."