An actress who accused Bafta-winning star Noel Clarke of sexual misconduct has slammed a 'very disappointing' decision from the Metropolitan Police to drop a criminal probe.
Clarke, 46, first faced allegations in May last year, before further alleged victims came forward in July.
However, the Met has decided not to launch a criminal investigation as the accusations do not 'meet the threshold' for a police probe, it said last week.
A female actor, who provided a statement to police alleging sexual misconduct against Clarke in May, was dismayed at the force's decision.
She told The Guardian: 'This is a very disappointing outcome for the people who courageously came forward and anyone who had close dealings with Noel and witnessed his consistent abuse of power.'
Meriel Beale, who penned an open letter that has been signed by more than 2,000 employees of the UK TV and film industry calling for reform, joined her in expressing anger at the decision.
She said: 'We know that the film and TV industry has a big problem.
'I’m still regularly approached by distressed people – mainly women – who are experiencing bullying, sexual harassment and abuse.
'The problem is now being talked about, but it isn’t going away. It takes a huge amount of bravery to speak up, and women are upset by the perception they are not being taken seriously or believed.'
Jamie Klingler, from campaign group Reclaim These Streets, said the Met's decision to drop the probe 'cements the message' that there is little point in women making complaints to the police.
A criminal investigation will not be launched against Noel Clarke, 46, the Met has confirmed, due to allegations not meeting the required 'threshold'. Pictured: Clarke with his Bafta award
After the allegations were made public, Sky bosses cancelled the fourth season of Mr Clarke's hit drama series Bulletproof while ITV crime drama Viewpoint saw its last episode pulled. Pictured: Mr Clarke in Viewpoint
In a statement at the time of the allegations, Clarke said he vehemently denied any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing
The group won a High Court battle with the force earlier this month when judges ruled it had 'failed to perform its legal duty' when handling a vigil for Sarah Everard at Clapham Common last year.
An utterly damning judgement said the constabulary did not think if the organisers 'might have a reasonable excuse for holding the gathering'.
Ms Klingler added: 'Time and time again the Met fails the women of London. Once again, this cements the message that there is no point in (making complaints to the police), as they either don’t believe us or minimise the impact and claim that the standard for prosecution isn’t reached.
'When will enough really be enough? When will they believe women?'
Anna Birley, also from campaign group Reclaim These Streets, said last week that women deserve to be listened to and believed.
'Reporting experiences of sexual assault or abuse is difficult, and so it must be hugely upsetting for women who have been so brave and spoken out to hear that the police don't believe their testimonies are enough,' she told the Mirror.
'Our criminal justice system fails women time and again.
A spokesperson from the Met Police said that complainants have been updated, and added: 'If any further allegations related to those already assessed are reported then it will be thoroughly considered.'
Mr Clarke, a married father of three, has denied sexual misconduct.
One of his accusers said that he was going to 'f**k her and fire her' and said that he had filmed a naked audition in secret.
Mr Clarke was awarded the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema BAFTA last year, but it was later suspended.
Earlier this month, Ashley Walters spoke about his decision to publicly condemn former friend Mr
