Three women have been interviewed under caution on suspicion of facilitating one of Britain’s worst sexual abuse scandals involving the former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed and his alleged attacks over four decades.

Scotland Yard said the number of victims had reached 154 women, feared to have suffered rape and sexual assault by Fayed, or sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

The Metropolitan police said that the three female suspects, aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s, were interviewed under caution within the last fortnight.

Under pressure from those representing victims, the Met said the allegations also included the human trafficking of women, at least some of whom went on to be attacked by Al Fayed. The force said the number of victims had reached 154 women.

The Met said: “They were questioned on suspicion of the following offences; aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences, human trafficking for sexual exploitation.”

Police said no arrests had yet been made. The Guardian understands detectives have identified several more suspects who will be questioned in the coming months over allegations that they may have facilitated or enabled the abuse.

Commander Angela Craggs of the Met said: “Victims remain at the centre of this investigation. Today’s update marks an important step in a complex and far-reaching investigation.

“While Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution, we have always been determined to bring anyone who is suspected to have played a part in his offending to justice.

“We encourage anyone with information, whether you were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed actions or have concerns about others who may have been involved or committed offences, to contact us. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.”

Fayed died in 2023 at the age of 94 and faces allegations that over four decades he used his wealth and power to attack scores of women, with his youngest victim as young as 13.

His death means he has escaped prosecution but police, reeling from claims they missed his offending while he was alive, are hunting for those who helped Fayed become one of Britain’s most notorious sexual offenders.

The crimes of which Fayed is accused span between 1977 and 2014, and the Met said about 400 offences may have been committed.

Before his death, 21 allegations about Fayed were made to police but he evaded justice.

Police said they have examined over 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim and impact statements, and retrieved “significant amounts of material” from previous reports about Fayed stored in their archives.

A scheme to compensate victims has been set up by Harrods and closes on 31 March. So far the owners of the upmarket London store said they have received 180 claims.

The Met said: “Over the past 18 months, officers have taken detailed accounts from victims and witnesses to build a comprehensive picture of the alleged offending.

“Information shared during these conversations, together with continued partnership work across the United Kingdom and overseas, has broadened the scope of the inquiry to cover all reported offences including human trafficking.”