Harrods man 'abused girl, 15': Police to quiz staff about store assault

The girl – whose name is known to The Mail on Sunday but who cannot be identified for legal reasons – alleges she was fondled and forcibly ‘French kissed’ by the male executive in the landmark store in Knightsbridge, West London.

No one has been arrested as a result of her claim, but last night the Metropolitan Police confirmed that an allegation of sexual assault on a girl under 16 was being investigated by officers from Operation Sapphire, which tackles sexual crimes.

Harrods: the schoolgirl claims she was sexually assaulted in the famous store

It is understood that the girl first met the executive, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, while she was shopping in the Knightsbridge store with her mother.

He asked her for her telephone number and later invited her back to the store.

A senior police source told The Mail on Sunday that the girl claimed in her statement to detectives that the assault began when the man started to rub her back, hugged her and fondled and grabbed her breasts.

It is alleged he then grabbed her again, kissed her full on the lips and attempted to force his tongue into her mouth.

She finally managed to escape his advances, but as she left the room he warned her ‘not to tell anyone’.

The frightened teenager told her mother what had happened and they reported the incident to Surrey Police.

However, as the alleged offence was committed in West London, they were referred to the Metropolitan Police.

The girl, accompanied by her mother, made a formal complaint at Notting Hill police station on May 30 when an official investigation was launched.

The source added that detectives were planning to interview several members of Harrods’ Knightsbridge staff as part of their inquiry.

Operation Sapphire was launched in 2001 to provide all 32 London boroughs with a specialist team dedicated to investigating rape and sexual assault cases.

In addition to advanced interviewing techniques, the Sapphire teams are trained in victim care and support.

All victims provide their statements on video in dedicated interview suites.

Last night a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: ‘We can confirm that we are investigating an allegation of sexual assault on a girl under 16 at business premises in Central London.

‘The allegation was received in May and Operation Sapphire is leading the inquiry, which is continuing. No arrests have been made.’

A Harrods spokesman said: ‘We have had no notification from the police about this matter. It is news to us and therefore we cannot comment.’

Harrods was founded in 1834 and the motto of its Knightsbridge store, which has 330 departments, is Omnia Omnibus Ubique – or All Things For All People, Everywhere.

The company employs more than 5,000 across its retail, bank, estates and aviation divisions.