David Walliams has denied any wrongdoing.Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The Metropolitan police have announced a criminal investigation into David Walliams over alleged sexual misconduct.

In reports by the Guardian and ITV News, Walliams, 55, has been accused by multiple women of using his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex.

Details of the allegations were revealed after a court rejected a legal attempt by Walliams aimed at preventing publication. He has denied any wrongdoing.