Russell Brand should face a criminal investigation over rape and sexual assault allegations, a Conservative MP has said.

Caroline Nokes, chairwoman of the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, said claims that the comedian attacked four women in the UK and US were a “police matter”. 

“These allegations are incredibly shocking and criminal. 

“And I would very much hope that complaints will be made both to the Metropolitan Police and indeed in the States, because this merits and needs a criminal investigation, because for too long we have seen men - and the perpetrators of these sorts of crimes are almost invariably men - not being held to account for their behaviours and their actions.” 

It comes after The Times  reported that more women have now made contact over Brand’s behaviour since the allegations were first reported on Saturday. 

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