Claims that the shamed Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein sexually abused an actress in London are being investigated by Scotland Yard, it emerged on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the claims, made by a woman understood to be now living in the Liverpool area.

The alleged assault took place in London during the 1980s and is the first to be reported to police in this country since claims emerged last week that Weinstein sexually assaulted and harassed a string of Hollywood actresses.

It cames as the British actress Kate Beckinsale said Weinstein tried to ply her with drink when she was just 17.

In a statement Scotland Yard said: “The Met have been passed an allegation of sexual assault by Merseyside Police today, Wednesday 11 October. The allegation will be assessed by officers from Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command.”

Merseyside police added: “We can confirm a report was received at 8.40am on Wednesday of an alleged sexual assault in the London area in the 1980s. The report has been referred to the Metropolitan Police.”