The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into David Walliams after receiving a number of allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences involving a man now in his 50s. The force said the allegations are separate from those reported by ITV News and The Guardian, though detectives are also reviewing that reporting as part of their inquiry to establish whether there is evidence of offences. It is understood the force had received no reports before these allegations.

The investigation follows a dramatic week for the 55-year-old TV personality and children's author. Walliams was named as the man behind a failed injunction bid to stop ITN and Guardian News and Media from publishing allegations that multiple women had accused him of sexually inappropriate behaviour and grooming. The allegations, reported by both outlets, claim he used his power and celebrity status to connect with young women and teenagers, some of whom were still underage. Walliams denies the allegations published by ITV and The Guardian.S2S3

Police said those who have come forward are being supported by specialist officers, and Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, who leads the investigation, urged anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward regardless of when it happened. Anyone wishing to report information can call 101 quoting reference 4900/10NOV26, or contact the Complex Sexual Offences Unit directly on 0207 175 2738. ITV has also published a full-length documentary on YouTube featuring anonymised and named women making the accusations.S2S3

The fallout has extended beyond the courts and police. Since Walliams was named, bookshops across Ireland have removed his books from their shelves, with one Dublin bookshop manager saying his remaining catalogue would be pulped because no one was ordering the titles.S2