Met Police refer themselves to watchdog following complaints about Fayed investigation

08 November 2024 , 19:03

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Met Police refer themselves to watchdog following complaints about Fayed investigation

Force refers itself after two women complained about handling of inquiries into allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed

Scotland Yard has referred itself to the police watchdog over complaints from two women about the handling of investigations into allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed first made in 2008 and 2013.

According to the Metropolitan police, it has raised concerns about the quality of police response and, in the case of the 2013 investigation, how details came to be disclosed publicly. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will review complaints from two women about the Met’s handling of allegations first made in 2008 and 2013 about former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

A statement said: “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.”

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. I encourage anyone with relevant information, whether you were personally affected or have knowledge about others who may have facilitated Al Fayed’s actions to contact us.”

Emma Davis