UK police face probe into handling of sex crimes allegations against Harrods owner Al Fayed
Associated PressLONDON — British police watchdogs will investigate whether the London force bungled its handling of sex crimes allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, the late owner of upmarket department store Harrods. “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,” said Steve Noonan, director of operations at the conduct watchdog. “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.” Since the BBC broadcast claims by several former Harrods employees in September, police have been reviewing multiple allegations of rape or sexual assault against Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94. The Metropolitan Police is currently reviewing 21 allegations that were made before Al Fayed died, and in total more than 100 women have contacted police to say they were sexually abused by the tycoon.