Police formally investigate Lib Dem peer Lord Rennard over sexual harassment allegations Police looking to see if there is corroborating evidence to back up claims Lord Rennard has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing The Lib Dems are also running two internal inquiries into the allegations Scotland Yard has launched an investigation into allegations that Lib Dem peer Lord Rennard sexually harassed activists. The force said officers have looked into whether there are witnesses who would speak to police and are now investigating if there is corroborating evidence to back up the claims. The peer is accused of behaving inappropriately towards a number of women in the party, but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'As is standard in cases of an historic nature, officers' initial inquiries are made to establish if allegations of crime are being made and if there are potential victims and witnesses who are prepared to speak to police. The peer is accused of behaving inappropriately towards a number of women in the party, but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing Officers then carry out inquiries to corroborate those allegations, and in this case that process is ongoing. We are not prepared to discuss who, how many or the nature of the allegations made by those who have come forward to police. Officers from the Met's Special Investigations Command were approached by party officials in February, and at that stage the force said it was 'working with them to ascertain whether or not criminal activity has taken place.' Alison Smith, now an Oxford University lecturer claimed to have suffered an incident 'more serious than having a hand placed on her knee' in 2007. Miss Smith has said she decided to go public with her claims because Lord Rennard appeared to be back on the scene and involved in party "away days" and weekends. He was also elected to a senior committee of the party. The Liberal Democrat Party is also running two internal inquiries. A Lib Dem spokesman said: 'The police are continuing their ongoing investigation into allegations made against Chris Rennard. The party continues to liaise with the Met, and has been since the allegations were first raised by Channel 4 in February. The party encourages anyone with information they feel may assist the police with their inquiries to contact them. Alleged victim Alison Smith said she decided to go public with her allegations earlier this year because Lord Rennard appeared back on the scene and involved in party 'away days' and weekends