8 November 2024 18:57 | Update: November 8, 2024, 19:03

Met Police bosses have referred the force to the police watchdog over officers’ handling of two sexual assault allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed.

The Met said it had received complaints from two women in relation to previous police investigations into allegations against the former owner of Harrods and Fulham FC.

These complaints relate to investigations in 2008 and 2013 and address concerns about how well police responded and how details in the 2013 investigation were made public.

Police are investigating more than 20 allegations against Al Fayed, who died last year.

Separately, lawyers for Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged victims said 400 people had contacted them following an appeal last week.

Commander Stephen Clayman, from the Met’s Specialist Crime team, said on Friday: “We are actively reviewing the 21 allegations reported to the Metropolitan Police prior to the death of Mohamed Al Fayed and the associated police investigations to determine whether any additional investigative steps are available or could be improved.” There are things.

“This process remains active and we are committed to assessing all new allegations, ensuring justice where possible and addressing all failures transparently.

“In recent weeks, two surviving victims have raised concerns about how their allegations were handled when they were first reported and it is appropriate for these complaints to be considered by the IOPC. While we cannot change the past, we are committed to providing the highest standard of service and support to every individual who contacts us.”

I encourage anyone with relevant information to contact us, whether you were personally affected or have information about others who may have facilitated Al Fayed’s actions. “It remains our priority to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of justice.”

Police said they had received new reports about Al Fayed due to renewed media coverage in recent months.

Officers said they were investigating to see if anyone else could face criminal charges in connection with the allegations.