Women's parliamentary committee chair calls for criminal probe into 'shocking' Russell Brand allegations

The chairwoman of a women's parliamentary committee has called for a criminal probe looking into the 'shocking' sexual assault allegations made against Russell Brand.

Brand has been accused of rape and sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013. The comedian and actor denies the allegations, which were made by Channel 4's Dispatches, and the Times and Sunday Times investigation.

The Metropolitan Police Service said on Sunday (September 17) they had not received any reports in relation to the TV personality, but has encouraged anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault to come forward. Meanwhile the BBC has said it is 'urgently looking into the issues raised' in the joint investigation.

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Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday morning (September 18), Caroline Nokes, who chairs the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, said: "These allegations are incredibly shocking and criminal.

"And I would very much hope that complaints will be made both to the Metropolitan Police and indeed in the States, because this merits and needs a criminal investigation."

The MP for Romsey and Southampton North added: "Unfortunately it seems that celebrity, for whatever reason, can act as a shield for individuals who choose to conduct themselves in a way which, to be quite frank, if that were to happen in any business organisation, you’d like to think that they’d be out the door."

Asked whether it is a matter for her committee, the senior Tory MP said: "First and foremost I think it’s a matter for the police."

Brand vehemently denies the allegations and