Mohamed Al Fayed's ex-deputy head of security denies hearing sex abuse claims about former boss

A former Met Police chief who went on to become Mohamed Al Fayed's deputy head of security has denied ever hearing sex abuse claims about his former boss.

Barry Thorne, 78, served as a detective chief inspector in the Fraud Squad before joining Harrods in 1997. Mr Thorne said on Thursday that he remained the subject of a non-disclosure agreement that he signed when he left the company.

He said: "I know why you are calling but I'm very sorry, I can't comment. All I can say is I'm subject to an NDA from Harrods and I have offered to assist Harrods in anything they want."

Asked if he ever witnessed any sexual offending by Al Fayed, he said: "No, certainly not," adding: "I didn't hear any rumour of any sexual assault."

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Mr Thorne was speaking after dozens of women came forward to accuse Al Fayed of sexual abuse and rape in a BBC documentary aired last week He joined Al Fayed's team two years after Vanity Fair published an article accusing the tycoon of racism, staff surveillance and sexual misconduct.

Mr Thorne reported to his former Fraud Squad boss John Macnemara, known as "Mac the Knife", once a Met detective chief superintendent.

According to reports, Macnamara was recommended for the Harrods job by Sir David McNee, a former commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Two other senior former members of Al Fayed's security staff were also ex-Met officers.