Janet Street-Porter arrested over "racial abuse"

LONDON, Jan 17 (Reuters) Broadcaster and writer Janet Street-Porter has been arrested over an allegation she racially abused another woman, a police source said today.

Street-Porter, a former editor of the Independent on Sunday, was arrested after she went voluntarily to a north London police station yesterday.

After questioning, she was released on police bail and must return next month.

The one-time head of BBC youth and entertainment features, known for her raw London accent, appeared on the ITV reality show ''I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here'' in 2004.

She is vice-president of the Ramblers' Association and is a fellow of the Royal Television Society.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ''On 16 January, a 59-year-old woman attended a north London police station by appointment and was arrested in connection with an alleged racially aggravated public order offence.'' ''She was later bailed to return in February pending further inquiries.'' REUTERS MS RK1516