Police investigate allegations involving David Walliams

The Metropolitan Police is investigating allegations of nonrecent serious sexual offences involving David Walliams, the comedian and author, while separately reviewing allegations about him published by ITV News and The Guardian. Walliams denies the published allegations; the police have not reported findings of guilt.

The force said it had received a number of allegations involving a man in his 50s. It said those allegations were separate from the media reports, but detectives were proactively reviewing the reporting to establish whether it contained evidence of offences. The police statement did not name Walliams, though reports identified him as the man under investigation.

The Metropolitan Police said specialist officers were supporting those who had come forward. Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, whose team is leading the investigation, urged anyone who had experienced a sexual offence to contact police, saying officers could provide support, answer questions and guide them through the process.

The reports published by ITV News and The Guardian described accusations from several women of sexual misconduct, including alleged grooming and sexually exploitative behaviour....