The Met Police’s handling of allegations about Mohamed Al Fayed is to come under closer scrutiny after two of his reported victims have come forward to complain about a failure to act on their claims.
Both parties came forward to report their experiences in 2008.
The complaints will be investigated by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
They say they anticipate more complainants coming forward during further investigations into who may have aided and abetted the former Harrod’s owner in carrying out multiple sex offences.
Al Fayed was the subject of media scrutiny and investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and assault as long ago as the mid 90s but often curtailed by his frequent threats of litigation.
Last year, he became the subject of multiple posthumous accusations of rape, with more than 200 women claiming to have been victims.
The IOPC received two voluntary referrals from the force in November after two complainants raised concerns about the force’s investigations into separate allegations they each reported to the Met 17 years ago.
No charges were ever brought against Al Fayed before his death last year and the Met is currently reviewing 21 allegations that were reported to the force prior to his death.
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.”
Pictured top: Al Fayed (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Abi Skipp Wiki page HERE)