Harvey Weinstein: New York police to reopen a 2004 assault case against Hollywood producer

Harvey Weinstein (AP)

New York police are reopening a 2004 investigation into an allegation of assault made against film producer Harvey Weinstein.

Officials have not released details of the alleged assault, but are said to be investigating a claim of sexual assault.

Police spokesman Peter Donald said separately that investigators are reviewing police files to see if any women previously reported being assaulted or harassed by the media mogul. The department is also encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

In response to a number of allegations made against Mr Weinstein in a New Yorker piece earlier this week A spokesman for Mr Weinstein, Sallie Hofmeister, said that “any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr Weinstein”.

“Mr Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.”

She added: “He will not be available for further comments, as he is taking the time to focus on his family, on getting counselling and rebuilding his life.”

A law enforcement official says detectives also plan to contact women who spoke about their encounters with Mr Weinstein in the New Yorker article.

The official wasn't authorized to speak publicly on an ongoing probe and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Associated Press contributed to this report