Kevin Spacey has been charged with four counts of sexual assault against three men, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed.

Three complaints relate to sexual abuse which is alleged to have taken place in London between 2005 and 2008, and one in Gloucestershire in 2013

“The CPS has authorised criminal charges against Kevin Spacey, 62, for four counts of sexual assault against three men,” said Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS special crime division.

“He has also been charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The charges follow a review of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan police in its investigation.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Spacey are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”