Met Police refers itself to watchdog after complaints over handling of Mohamed al Fayed allegations

The Metropolitan Police has referred two cases to the police watchdog following complaints about investigations into allegations made against Mohamed al Fayed.

The force has voluntarily referred the cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after receiving complaints from two women regarding prior police investigations into allegations against the former Harrods and Fulham FC owner - who died last August.

"These complaints, involving investigations from 2008 and 2013, address concerns about the quality of police response and, in the case of the 2013 investigation, how details came to be disclosed publicly," the force said in a statement.

Some 21 women have contacted the Met Police making allegations against Al Fayed, including rape and sexual assault, between 2005 and 2023.

Commander Stephen Clayman, from the Met's Specialist Crime team, said: "We are actively reviewing 21 allegations reported to the Metropolitan Police prior to Mohamed al Fayed's passing, as well as the related police investigations, to determine if any additional investigative steps are available or there are things we could have done better.

"This process remains active, and we are committed to assessing all new allegations, pursuing justice where possible and transparently addressing any failings.

"In recent weeks, two victims-survivors have come forward with concerns about how their allegations were handled when first reported, and it is only appropriate that the IOPC assess these complaints.

"Although we cannot change the past, we are resolute in our goal to offer every individual who contacts us the highest standard of service and support."

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On Friday, the Met Police said that, in addition to the 21 pre-existing allegations against al Fayed, officers had received new reports since renewed media interest.

"Specialist officers are reviewing all information to determine if other individuals may be subject to investigation for related criminal offenses," the force added.

A string of claims - including of rape and sexual abuse - against al Fayed, who died last year aged 94, have emerged in recent weeks following an investigation by the BBC.

Many of the allegations against al Fayed relate to employees at Harrods and Fulham FC, which he owned between 1997 and 2013.

Harrods has previously said it is "utterly appalled" by the claims and said it is a "very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Fayed between 1985 and 2010".

Fulham, meanwhile, previously said they were trying to establish whether anyone at the club had been affected, and were encouraging people to come forward to its safeguarding department or the police.

The Met previously said it was conducting a "detailed and thorough" review after facing criticism about how it dealt with the allegations.

An IOPC spokesperson said it had contacted the Met in September to check whether it had any complaints or issues that would require a referral.

"We have remained in regular contact with the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards on this matter and, on 8 November, we received two complaint referrals relating to the Met Police's original handling of allegations made by two complainants about Mr Al-Fayed," it said.

"We will assess the information provided before deciding what further action may be required from us."

(c) Sky News 2024: Met Police refers itself to watchdog after complaints over handling of Mohamed al Fayed allegations