THE current managing director of Harrods apologised today and said the business “failed our colleagues” following sexual misconduct allegations about former owner, the late Mohamed al-Fayed.

Michael Ward said in a statement that it is clear Mr al-Fayed “presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct.”

Mr Ward, who worked for Mr al Fayed for four years, said he was “not aware of his criminality and abuse” and described it as a “shameful period in the business’ history.”