The teenage girls David Walliams preyed on in public: As police urge women to come forward, how grooming comic’s behaviour was so well known Jonathan Ross joked about it in a room full of stars

Women have accused David Walliams of grooming teenage girls and sexually harassing or assaulting young women, allegations he denies. The claims have prompted the Metropolitan Police to urge potential victims to come forward, while renewed attention has focused on how jokes about his pursuit of teenage girls were made publicly years ago.

A media investigation published detailed allegations, including claims involving girls aged 15 and a 17-year-old who met Walliams through a television talent show. Comedian Lucy Beaumont said she acted as a whistleblower and described one woman as distressed after signing a non-disclosure agreement. Police said they had received no allegations but would carefully assess any reports; Walliams has said he acted thoughtlessly at times but is not a sexual predator.