The Metropolitan Police has received a new report of alleged sexual assault regarding Russell Brand from 2003 which is reported as having taken place in Soho.

This follows the 48-year-old comedian and actor being accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013.

The allegations were made in a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4's Dispatches.

Brand has denied the allegations and said his relationships have been "always consensual".

A new statement from the Met Police appears to refer to a fresh allegation, not previously reported, BBC News reports.

News Shopper: The new allegation against Russell Brand is from 2003The new allegation against Russell Brand is from 2003 (Image: PA)

What did the Met Police have to say about the new allegation?

In a short statement, the force said: “On Sunday September 17, the Met received a report of a sexual assault which was alleged to have taken place in Soho in central London in 2003.

“Officers are in contact with the woman and will be providing her with support.

“We first spoke with The Sunday Times on Saturday September 16 and have since made further approaches to The Sunday Times and Channel 4 to ensure that anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual offence is aware of how to report this to the police.

“We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us.”

Background to the Russell Brand allegations

Four women made allegations as part of the investigation against Brand, with one claiming he had raped her and three of them alleging he had sexually assaulted them.

During the years covered by the allegations, Brand had various high-profile jobs at different times, including at BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4, and as an actor in Hollywood films.

Other claims made as part of the investigation relate to Brand's allegedly controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour.