400 people have come forward over Mohamed Al-Fayed abuse case, lawyers say

Over 400 people have come forward to make claims against Mohamed Al-Fayed, it has been reported.

, against the former Harrods boss "and others" between 1979 and 2013.

Lawyers representing the alleged victims have now said they have been contacted by hundreds of people.

Barrister Dean Armstrong KC told reporters at a press conference: "We have been contacted by over 400 people.

"Not all survivors, some witnesses... but we are currently engaged with 400 people who have been impacted by this abuse."

Dean Armstrong KC said those who have contacted the Justice for Harrods Survivors group, which he represents, are not just from Harrods, the London department store which Fayed owned from 1985 until 2010.

They are also from Fulham FC, which he also owned, and "various places" associated with the businessman.

Fayed died last year aged 94, and a string of allegations have since been made about him following the release of a BBC documentary.

Mr Armstrong announced today at the press conference that "the first letter of claim has been sent to Harrods", marking "the beginning of the formal legal process".

The lawyer added: "Our survivors have been let down by significant parts of our society, and the threats to them and obstacles placed in front of us as we seek to navigate the path to justice for them has not dimmed - in fact it's enhanced - our resolve."

"This statement of our intent is the clearest signal possible that it is time for Harrods, time for the Fayed estate and time for Fulham FC amongst other sporting institutions to understand that now is the time to do the right thing", he added.

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