Fayed accused of sexual assault

Mohammed Fayed (pictured), the controversial owner of Harrods, has been questioned by police after a 15-year-old girl accused him of forcibly "French kissing" her at his Knightsbridge store. The 75-year-old, who also owns Fulham Football Club voluntarily attended Twickenham police station with his solicitor yesterday and was questioned under caution. The Metropolitan Police said inquiries were continuing but stressed that no arrests were made.

It is claimed that Fayed first met the schoolgirl in May this year when she shopped with her mother in Harrods. Spotting her, Fayed is alleged to have asked for her phone number and invited her back to the store. In her witness statement, the girl told police that when she returned to Harrods she was invited to Fayed's private office where it is alleged he then kissed her on the lips and tried to force his tongue into her mouth.

The girl and her mother then made a report to Surrey Police. But, as the offence is alleged to have happened in London, they were referred to the Metropolitan Police. Accompanied by her mother, the girl made a formal complaint at Notting Hill police station on May 30.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the investigation was being handled by Operation Sapphire, the sexual crimes unit. However, Fayed firmly denies the claims. A spokesman for the Harrods's owner said: "Mr Al Fayed vehemently denies this allegation and is confident that his name will be cleared." ·