Former ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judge David Walliams faces police probe over sex offence claims

London police have launched an investigation into allegations of "serious sexual offences" involving comedian and children's author David Walliams, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police. The allegations are separate from those previously reported by ITN and The Guardian, which claimed that Walliams sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl and groomed teenage fans.

Walliams, 55, denied these allegations, which emerged after he lost a High Court battle to prevent his identity from being disclosed in the media. The police are reviewing the media reports to determine if there is any evidence of offenses. Walliams, who gained fame as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, has also authored children's books that have reportedly sold 50 million copies.

His publisher, HarperCollins, dropped him last year after accusations of harassing female staff, which he denied. In response to these allegations, BBC and his literary agents have taken steps to distance themselves from Walliams.