Russell Brand update issued by second police force amid new 'stalking' claim

02 October 2023 , 11:40

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Russell Brand investigated by second police force as new 'stalking' claim made

Russell Brand is being investigated by Thames Valley Police Force after a woman contacted them two weeks ago with "new information".

She came forward with information in relation to reports of "harassment and stalking". In a recent statement, Thames Valley Police said: "This information is being investigated, as such it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation." It was previously claimed that the woman accused Brand of being a 'sexual predator', according to police logs.

It is understood that she reported her allegations to the force multiple times between 2018 and 2022 but no further action was taken. Brand also accused the woman of harassment against him in 2017.

Brand was accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse by four women in a joint investigation with The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches. Not all four anonymous women in the programme accused Brand of rape. The serious incidents are said to have taken place between 2006 and 2013.

Brand is being investigated by a second police force (Getty Images)

However, Brand shared a video statement on his YouTube channel before the programme, vehemently denying "criminal and very serious" allegations he said had been put to him by two media outlets, describing it as a "coordinated attack" and insisting all his relationships had been consensual.

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After the allegations aired, Metropolitan Police later confirmed they received a "number of allegations of sexual offences." The Met said on September 25 that it has received "a number of allegations of sexual assault in London" and elsewhere following news reports about comedian Brand. The full statement from the police force reads: "Detectives have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual offences.

"Following an investigation by Channel 4 ’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times, the Met has received a number of allegations of sexual offences in London. We have also received a number of allegations of sexual offences committed elsewhere in the country and will investigate these. The offences are all non-recent. Officers will be offering specialist support to all of the women who have made allegations. The investigation is being carried out by detectives in the Met’s Central Specialist Crime Command, led by Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy.

Supt Furphy said: "We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us. We understand it can feel like a difficult step to take and I want to reassure that we have a team of specialist officers available to advise and support.

"There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. Anyone who wants to report an offence to the police should contact us on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency."

Rape and sexual abuse * If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999*

Zara Woodcock