The latest figure is more than double the 61 people who the Met said had reported allegations the last time it released a number in October.

Harrods said more than 100 victims of Al Fayed’s abuse had entered its compensation scheme in July. Al Fayed owned the luxury department store between 1985 and 2010.

The store started issuing compensation at the end of April and the scheme remains open for new applications until 31 March 2026.

Eligible applicants could receive up to £385,000 in compensation, plus treatment costs, if they agree to be assessed by a consultant psychiatrist, Harrods said in March.

They are also offered a meeting with a senior Harrods’ representative to receive an apology in person or by video, as well as a written apology.

The extent of Al Fayed’s predatory behaviour was brought to light by a BBC documentary and podcast, broadcast in September 2024.

Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods heard testimony from more than 20 female ex-Harrods employees who said Al Fayed sexually assaulted or raped them.

Since then, dozens more women have come forward with similar experiences.

Responding to the BBC investigation at the time, Harrods’ current owners said they were “utterly appalled” by the allegations and that his victims had been failed – for which the store sincerely apologised.

It was only after the broadcast that the Met revealed it had been approached by 21 women before Al Fayed’s death, who accused him of sexual offences including rape, sexual assault and trafficking. Despite this, he was never charged with any offences.

In October, the Met said 40 new allegations including sexual assault and rape had been made against Al Fayed, covering a period between 1979 and 2013. These allegations were in addition to the 21 it had already received.

Two complaints against the Met Police for its handing of allegations against Al Fayed are being investigated by the force under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.