Police issue statement as Russell Brand is accused of rape

***Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and rape.***

The Metropolitan Police have issued a statement following multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault being made against Russell Brand.

A joint investigation by The Times and C4 Dispatches led to the publication of articles and the broadcasting of a programme where multiple women accused Brand and told their stories.

The investigation contains accusations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse over a seven year period, with multiple women making allegations against Brand between 2006 and 2013 during which time he worked for the BBC, Channel 4 and featured in a number of Hollywood films.

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One of the alleged victims said she was 16-years-old at the time, with Brand accused of calling her 'the child' during a three month relationship where she alleged that Brand used coercive control.

Another alleges that Brand assaulted her when she was 16 and he was 31, with a third accuser claiming that he sexually assaulted her while she was working for him, and a fourth alleging that he was emotionally, physically and sexually abusive towards her.

When contacted by LADbible regarding the investigation from The Times and Dispatches a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware of media reporting of a series of allegations of sexual assault.

"At this time, we have not received any reports in relation to this. If anyone believes they have been the victim of a sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, we would encourage them to contact police."

"We spoke with the Sunday Times on Saturday, 16 September. We will be making further approaches to the Sunday Times and Channel 4 to ensure that any victims of crime who they have spoken with are aware of how they may report any criminal allegations to police."

In addition to the comments of individual women who have accused Brand, the Dispatches programme also focused on Brand's behaviour during times he was working for Channel 4.

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It included claims from people who worked with Brand on a Big Brother spin-off that they felt like 'pimps' and as though they were 'taking lambs to slaughter' amidst claims that junior members of the crew were asked to approach women in the show's audience that Brand wanted to have sex with.

The 48-year-old has denied what he describes as 'very serious criminal allegations' made against him, posting a video where he insisted that his sexual relationships were 'always consensual'.

He addressed the investigation during a performance at the Troubadour Theatre, Wembley, last night (16 September), while the Dispatches special was being broadcast on Channel 4.

Brand told crowds that he couldn't talk about the accusations made against him and that he appreciated his fans would understand why.

LADbible has contacted Russell Brand for an updated comment since the allegations in The Times were published.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can contact www.rapecrisis.org.uk or call the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999, where help and resources are available.