Officers say “victim-survivors” have reported sexual assault and rape between 1979 and 2013.

Scotland Yard says that’s “in addition” to allegations it was aware of before a TV documentary was broadcast.

Lawyers say they now represent 116 women from “around the world”, with “credible evidence of abuse” at Fulham Football Club too.

Commander Stephen Clayman said: “Since the broadcast of the documentary and our recent appeal, detectives have received numerous pieces of information, predominantly relating to the activities of Mohamed Al Fayed but some relating to the actions of others.

“This has led to us record 40 new allegations, relating to 40 victim-survivors and covering offences including sexual assault and rape across a time period between 1979 and 2013. These are in addition to allegations we were aware of prior to the broadcast.

“I recognise the courage it will have taken for people to take that step to speak to us about their experiences and I want to reassure anyone who has yet to make contact that we have specially trained detectives who will listen to you and support you.

“All these reports will need to be formally logged and assessed to see if there are any allegations of criminality that can be pursued. This will take time, but we will ensure those who contact us are kept updated with progress.

“We also continue work to make contact with lawyers representing individuals who have come directly to them, to ensure they are aware of our request to speak to police so any crimes can be recorded and the relevant support provided.

“While the majority of information we have received relates to Al Fayed’s ownership of Harrods, we are contacting representatives of other organisations linked to Al Fayed to ensure anyone affected is identified and has the opportunity to speak with us.”

There are various ways to contact police about your experience:

– call the Complex Investigation Team on 020 8217 6582 or 6586 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Sunday;
– call 101 at any time and quote CAD1920/26Sep;
– email CSCMailbox-.ComplexInvestigationTeam@met.pnn.police.uk
– use the following online portal here where you can provide information.

It is important to make clear at this stage that it is not possible for criminal proceedings to be brought against someone who has died.