FIVE women have alleged they were raped by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, who died last year.

More than 20 female former employees of Harrods, which Al-Fayed owned, have spoken to the BBC as part of a special investigation.

They came forward with allegations of rape, assault and physical violence at properties in London and Paris. 

Gemma, one of Mr Al-Fayed’s personal assistants between 2007 and 2009 and who worked for his charitable foundation, said he raped her in Paris.

She got herself signed off from work with stress within weeks of returning from the French capital.

Gemma said that while she was on sick leave, Mr Al-Fayed would ring her and threatened to send his security team to take her back to London.

She eventually sought help from a lawyer to help her leave the company properly, she said.

Gemma told of having to destroy recordings she had made of Mr Al-Fayed sexually harassing her.

A statement from the current owners of Harrods said they are “utterly appalled” by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by the late billionaire.

They added: “As a business, we failed our employees who were his victims and for this, we sincerely apologise.”