What's happened
Operation Hydrant, a unit established in 2014 to investigate non-recent sexual offenses involving persons of public prominence, is supporting the Metropolitan Police in response to allegations of rape and sexual assault made against Russell Brand.
Why it matters
The investigation into the allegations against Russell Brand is significant due to the involvement of Operation Hydrant, which was created in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal to address sexual offenses by individuals in the public eye.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that Operation Hydrant is now investigating the allegations against Russell Brand, while The Independent highlights the support provided by the Hydrant Programme to the Metropolitan Police. The Times provides additional details on the allegations and the work of Operation Hydrant.
How we got here
Operation Hydrant was established in 2014 following the Jimmy Savile scandal to investigate non-recent sexual offenses involving individuals of public prominence. Russell Brand is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault by multiple women between 2006 and 2013.
More on these topics
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The Metropolitan Police Service, formerly and still commonly known as the Metropolitan Police and informally as the Met, Scotland Yard, or the Yard, is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in the Metropolitan Police District, which
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A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.
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Sir James Wilson Vincent Savile OBE KCSG was an English DJ, television and radio personality who hosted BBC shows including Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It.