John Worboys: Met Police are investigating new historical sexual assault claim against the black cab rapist

Police says the incident is reported to have taken place in 1997

John Worboys was found guilty in 2009 of raping 12 women – but police say he could have attacked at least 100 (PA)

The Metropolitan Police is investigating a fresh allegation of historical sexual assault believed to have been made against black cab rapist John Worboys.

The incident was said to have taken place in 1997 and was reported to police earlier this month.

Worboys, who was jailed indefinitely in 2009 – with a minimum term of eight years – for drugging and sexually assaulting women passengers, has not been arrested.

Scotland Yard said in a statement: "The Metropolitan Police Service is investigating an allegation of non-recent sexual assault which was reported to police in January 2018.

"The incident is reported to have taken place in 1997.

"Enquiries by officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are ongoing."

Worboys was convicted of 19 offences against 12 victims, but has been linked to more than 100 complaints in total.

His convictions included on count of rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted sexual assault, and 12 of administering a substance with intent.

Meanwhile, news that the notorious sex offender has been moved to a London jail ahead of his pending release has promoted fresh outrage over the case.

The 60-year-old was transferred from HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire to HMP Belmarsh in south-east London at the weekend, it is understood.

Lawyers representing his victims said the move was "extremely distressing" for them.

After the parole board's decision to release him was revealed, there were calls for him to be located away from greater London to reassure his terrified victims.

A group of MPs called for an "exclusion zone" to be imposed to ban the former taxi driver from the capital.

Conservative MP Zac Godlsmith said the proposed release of the rapist has "absolutely horrified" his victims, who were "appalled" to learn of his move to Belmarsh.

It is understood his release is not imminent and his transfer does not necessarily mean he will be freed into the capital.

Last week, Justice Secretary David Gauke stressed that Worboys will not be released until his licence conditions have been finalised, and victims who are signed up to a contact scheme have had their say on the restrictions.

Upon release, it is expected Worboys would spend several months in a probation hostel, which would be staffed 24 hours a day and have restrictions imposed on residents such as a night-time curfew.

There are 101 probation hostels throughout England and Wales.

A potential legal challenge by the government over Worboy's release was ruled out by Mr Gauke last week, but lawyers for two victims have said they intend to pursue the case in the courts.

The Ministry of Justice said it does not comment on the location of prisoners.