Harrods managing director Michael Ward has personally apologised for the first time regarding the sexual abuse allegations against the store’s former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed.

Speaking to the BBC this week, Ward said: “I am very dreadfully sorry for what has happened with Al Fayed.”

Ward, who worked alongside Al Fayed for years until 2010, previously stated he was unaware of any such abuse.

The department store retailer is currently in the process of settling over 250 claims for compensation brought by women who allege sexual misconduct by Al Fayed.

The luxury department store told the BBC that the women have come forward since the release of the broadcaster’s documentary back in September.

The investigation revealed decades of serious sexual abuse allegations including rape and attempted rape by the late Al Fayed, who owned Harrods between 1985 and 2010.

The retailer’s new owners said they were “appalled” by the claims and that it had “failed our colleagues”. It has been investigating whether any current members of staff were involved since last year.

The BBC had asked Ward for an interview to try and find out what was known by senior staff at Harrods of the allegations at the time but said it was declined.

During the the broadcaster’s approach at the Harrods headquarters, Ward said the retailer had “nothing further to add”.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter