THE BBC today took action over the Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand lewd calls controversy when it suspended the two stars.

The action came after it was revealed there had been more than 18,000 complaints about the duo's filthy calls to actor Andrew Sachs. Offensive and possibly illegal It is possible that an offence was committed, under the Protection from Harassment Act, in the phone calls row a legal expert said today.

"Should someone make a complaint to the police, then there is potential for an offence to have been committed under section 1 of the Act," said lawyer and broadcaster Mark Stephens, of law firm Finers Stephens Innocent.

"That makes it an offence for a person to pursue a course of conduct which amounts to har-assment of another, and which they ought to know amounts to harassment," said Mark.

He continued: "You need a course of conduct - two or more incidents -and we had four calls."

He said any conviction of this nature could mean a jail sentence of up to six months and/or a fine.

As the suspension decision was announced, BBC Director General Mark Thompson also apologised to Mr Sachs for the calls, which he said had caused "severe offence".

The news came as media watchdog Ofcom confirmed an investigation is being launched.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also entered the row.

He condemned the prank, saying: "This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour.

"It is for the BBC, the BBC Trust and Ofcom to take any appropriate action."

The complaints, made about Brand's Radio 2 show, involved a claim the comedian had slept with the Fawlty Towers actor's granddaughter Georgina Baillie, 23.

The presenters also joked the actor might kill himself in the pre-recorded show - which was cleared to air despite Mr Sachs being upset.

The 78-year-old has told the BBC his granddaughter "feels very upset".

Ross, 47, issued a personal apology to the actor. Brand, 33, is understood to be following suit. However, the pair have not spoken to Ms Baillie.

Tim Davie, director of audio and music, admitted the programme was "unacceptable".

He added: "We are going to have a full investigation, look at the factors and decide the appropriate action."

Asked if anyone would "take the rap" he said: "It's too early to speculate."

Some politicians have called for the presenters to be sacked. Tory MP Nadine Dorries called for the BBC to end their contracts.

She said: "At a time when hard-pressed families are feeling the strain on their household budgets, many people will feel annoyed the BBC licence fee of nearly £140 a year is being misused in this way."

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham welcomed the BBC's investigation and apology.

Tory leader David Cameron said: The main question is why did the BBC allow this programme to be broadcast, given that it was pre-recorded? Who made the decision to broadcast it?"

lIf you want to complain to Ofcom about the Brand and Ross comments, call: 020 7981 3040 or 0300 123 3333.

Or you can write to: Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London,SE1 9HA. Or use the website: www.ofcom.org.uk