Ex-Harrods boss says he witnessed Fayed’s ‘abhorrent’ behaviour

Mohammed Al Fayed, who died last year, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct by a number of women. Photograph: Murdo Macleod/The Guardian

A former Harrods chief executive has told the BBC he was witness to “abhorrent” behaviour by the store’s late owner Mohamed Al Fayed – but not sexual abuse.

James McArthur, who was chief executive for what he described as a “most unpleasant 10 months” in 2008, told the broadcaster he was not aware of any sexual abuse as five women allege they were raped by Fayed.