Police are now investigating alleged sexual misconduct at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The City of London Police said its inquiries were “at a very early stage”.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Waight said: “The City of London police takes all acts of sexual misconduct and violence against women and girls extremely seriously.

“We approached the CBI following media reports and our investigations are at a very early stage. It would not be appropriate to comment any further at this time.”

It comes as CBI director-general Tony Danker said he was he was “shocked” to have been sacked following an independent investigation into separate complaints of workplace misconduct against him.

Three other CBI employees have also been suspended pending further investigation into a number of ongoing allegations.