Met investigating two further rape allegations against Russell Brand

The Metropolitan Police is investigating two further rape allegations against Russell Brand, its commissioner has said, as he urged others to come forward following the entertainer’s conviction for rape and sexual assault.

Sir Mark Rowley told LBC on Friday that two other people had come forward and that police were investigating their allegations. He said he “wouldn’t be surprised if many, many more come forward”, adding that previous cases involving high-profile people had sometimes led to further reports.

The two investigations are separate from the case in which Brand was convicted. The BBC reported that he had been interviewed under caution about the further allegations, which he denies.

On Thursday, a jury at Southwark Crown Court found Brand guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women. He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one charge of attempted indecent assault. He was refused bail and is due to be sentenced on Monday 9 November.

Rowley also told BBC Radio 4 that what he had heard reported from the trial came close to “victim blaming”. He was responding to a question about the defence barrister’s reported suggestion that the complainants had not “resisted, screamed or even tried to leave”. Rowley said he would strongly support a proposed requirement for judges to direct juries on rape myths in every rape trial.

The Met said anyone wishing to report information to detectives could call 101 in the UK, quoting reference 2321/04NOV26. Independent support is available through the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222.