Essex Police receive new information as David Sullivan categorically denies exploitation allegations

Essex Police confirmed on Thursday that they had received new information relating to allegations of sexually exploitative behaviour against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, days after a joint Times and BBC investigation published claims from seven women dating back to the 1980s. The force said it had “received some contact and inquiries into those are now under way,” though it is not yet known whether the new information is linked to the women named in that investigation.

The two-year investigation alleged that Sullivan, 77, pressured young or aspiring models in their late teens or early 20s who were seeking work at his Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers. Several women claimed he abused his position as the newspapers’ owner to have sex with them. Sullivan stepped down as West Ham chairman at the weekend and has said he “categorically denies” all of the claims.

In a statement issued after his resignation, Sullivan said: “The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.”

Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Police said they were investigating a report relating to the “alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s,” with that inquiry focused on one alleged victim and led by specialist detectives from the Met’s rape and serious sexual offences team.

Essex Police had previously investigated an allegation of a non-recent sexual offence after a referral from the Met in 2023. That investigation also reviewed further claims made in 2008 and 2021, with early advice taken from the Crown Prosecution Service, before the force decided no further action would be taken. A spokesman said the force takes “allegations of this nature very seriously” and urged any alleged victim of sexual assault to come forward.

The Independent Football Regulator said it is in contact with West Ham seeking information about Sullivan’s suitability as a co-owner in light of the allegations. Downing Street described the claims as “harrowing” and said it was right for police to assess them.