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John Worboys: Black cab rapist questioned by police over new sex assault claims

The alleged incidents are not recent, but were only made in January this year and police have launched a fresh investigation.

A Parole Board decision to release John Worboys was quashed by the High Court in March
Image: John Worboys was almost freed from jail earlier this year
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Black cab rapist John Worboys is understood to have been questioned by police over fresh allegations of sexual assault.

Scotland Yard confirmed a 61-year-old man was interviewed under caution in Yorkshire last month over offences said to have taken place between 1997 and 2007.

The Metropolitan Police would not say whether it was Worboys, but did reveal the allegations - which include administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence - arose after an investigation was launched in January.

In a statement, the force said the claims had been made by "a number of women".

John Worboys was jailed in 2009 for a string of sex attacks on women
Image: Worboys was put behind bars in 2009 for a string of sex attacks on women

"Since then, officers have assessed all the information provided and established there are a number of allegations that required investigation," it added.

"Police also sought early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service."

The investigation is ongoing, the statement added.

More on John Worboys

Ms Cooper has called for an urgent update on the decision from the justice secretary David Gauke
Image: Justice Secretary David Gauke took responsibility for his near-release

Worboys was indefinitely jailed in 2009 with a minimum term of eight years after being found guilty of 19 offences against a dozen victims, including rape, sexual assault and drugging.

In the six years prior to his arrest in 2008, police believe he committed crimes against 105 women.

But the serial sex attacker was to be allowed to walk free from jail following a controversial Parole Board decision, only for the move to be blocked by two of his victims.

The board is still seeking a new chair after the March 2018 resignation of Professor Nick Hardwick, who quit over the outcry following a meeting with Justice Secretary David Gauke.

Mr Gauke has since taken responsibility for the near-release of Worboys, as he chose not to challenge the decision to free him.