Met refers two cases to police watchdog over handling of Mohamed al Fayed investigations

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.

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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