AL FAYED PROBE 'IS ABOUT GIVING VICTIMS A VOICE'

Police look at associates amid claims they enabled sex abuse

- TOM PETTIFOR

POLICE have praised the bravery of women who came forward to say they were raped or sexually abused by Mohamed AI Fayed.

And detectives have revealed their investigation has now widened to include more than five of the late Harrods owner's former associates.

It is claimed they may have enabled tycoon AI Fayed to target women and girls between 1977 and 2014, one who says she was just 13.

Since a BBC documentary aired in September on his alleged crimes, 90 women have come forward claiming they too were victims.

Met Specialist Crime Command boss Stephen Clayman said of the new probe, called Operation Corn Poppy: "This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that AI Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution.

"We are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending, and we are committed to seeking justice.