The late Mohamed Al-Fayed has been accused of rape by five women who worked for Harrods in a new BBC investigation, drawing attention to his royal connections.

The former boss of luxury department store Harrods Mohamed Al-Fayed has been accused of rape and sexual assault by a string of numerous former employees. More than 20 women have spoken to the BBC as part of a special investigation, coming forward with allegations of assault and physical violence at properties in London and Paris.

Al Fayed's pursuit for capital began on the streets of Alexandria, Egypt, where he sold fizzy drinks to passers-by. He made a breakthrough when he met his first wife, Samira Khashoggi, who was the sister of a millionaire Saudi arms dealer that helped him create new connections and go into shipping to expand his empire.