Newsweek - WordupNews, Newsbeat, Analysis, Business, Politics, Technology, Entertainment, Fashion, Sports

An investigation has been launched into the Metropolitan Police’s handing of sexual assault allegations made against former Harrods boss Mohamed al-Fayed.

Two complaints from victim-survivors about the force’s handling of allegations they made against al-Fayed will be investigated by the Met itself under the direction of the independent policing watchdog. The Independent understands the allegations were both accusations of sexual assault.

The Met is currently reviewing a total of 21 allegations that were made before al-Fayed died in 2023, and referred two of these to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in November.

On Wednesday, the IOPC announced that the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards will continue to investigate the complaints, but under the direction of the watchdog.

IOPC Director of Operations Steve Noonan said: “Our sympathies are with all the victim-survivors who reported allegations against Mr Al Fayed.

“There is widespread public concern around this case, with a significant number of allegations reported over many years while Mr Al Fayed was still alive.

“It’s important that an investigation is carried out into these complaints to identify if there were any missed opportunities or failures by officers to properly investigate these reports made back in 2008.

“We’ve decided to direct these investigations as the Met’s ongoing review of 21 allegations means it could become much wider than two complaints, and also it will help information sharing between DPS and the on-going criminal investigation into those who potentially enabled or assisted the alleged offending.

“The complainants will be kept regularly updated throughout the investigation.”

More follows on this breaking news story…

Source link