Met chief says he wouldn't be surprised if more allegations made about Brand after rape conviction

The head of the Metropolitan Police has said he "wouldn't be surprised" if more people came forward to make allegations about Russell Brand. Sir Mark Rowley also told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that what he heard reported from Brand's trial at Southwark Crown Court came very close to "victim blaming". He was acquitted of two other rape charges and one allegation of attempted indecent assault.

The 51-year-old will be sentenced on Monday. Speaking to the BBC on Friday, Sir Mark said that he "wouldn't be surprised if more people came forward" about Brand and said there were "two ongoing rape investigations" into him. In his interview Sir Mark praised the "bravery" of the women who came forward to tell "their story" to the police and during the trial.

The head of the Met also said that whilst Brand's case "may look different because it's about celebrity, the majority of sex offending is about people abusing power", adding that victims will be believed.