Police investigating historic sex offence allegations against comedian and TV personality Russell Brand have sent evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

It comes as the 49-year-old celebrity has been involved in a separate battle after purchasing The Crown pub in the village of Pishill as protesters claim he is acting "above the law". 

He had previously tried to gain permission to convert the historic watering hole into a recording studio and offices but this was met with objections and the proposal was dismissed.

But his fresh plans for a media studio and offices at the site have also been withdrawn.

And now the standup comedian and actor is being investigated related to historic sex offence allegations.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: "Following an investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times in September 2023, the Met received a number of reports of sexual offences from women in London and elsewhere in the country.

"A file of evidence has now been passed to the CPS for their consideration.

"As part of the investigation, a man in his 40s has been interviewed by officers under caution on three separate occasions.

"These interviews related to a number of non-recent sexual offences which are alleged to have taken place both in and outside of London.

"Officers continue to support the CPS as part of their investigation."

According to Sky News, Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, added: "We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to the women who have come forward.

"We are committed to investigating sexual offences, no matter how long ago they are alleged to have taken place."

Brand has denied the allegations against him and said his relationships were "always consensual".

Allegations against Russell Brand came to light after a joint investigation by The Times and the Channel 4 programme Dispatches.