Scottish police confirm Mohamed Al Fayed investigation

Police in Scotland are investigating allegations of sexual assault against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

Detectives are reportedly investigating allegations of attempted rape at Balnagown Manor in Easter Ross in the Scottish Highlands.

Al Fayed, who died in August 2023, is alleged to have sexually abused hundreds of women and girls for decades.

Police said an investigation into a “non-recent sexual assault” at Balnagown, which Al Fayed bought in 1972, is due to be completed in 2024.

Officers reopened the case after a new witness came forward, the Scottish Mail reported on Sunday.

The newspaper said the case related to an alleged attack on property in 1991.

A new witness reportedly spoke to officers and provided information.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Further investigations are ongoing. It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

More than 400 allegations of sexual harassment have been made against Al Fayed since 1977.

Harrods has previously said it was “completely appalled” by the allegations and condemned the new owners’ actions “in the strongest terms” as it set up a compensation scheme for former employees who say they were attacked by Al Fayed.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Resolution Support Service 1800 211 028