Ex-Grange Hill star Charlotte Lewis alleges Roman Polanski abused her when she was 16

PROSECUTORS in Los Angeles have interviewed a British actress who claims she was sexually abused by director Roman Polanski when she was 16.

Charlotte Lewis, 42, said the film-maker abused her "in the worst possible way" in his Paris apartment in the 1980s.

Lewis provided no evidence to support her claims and her lawyer Gloria Allred did not permit her to answer questions during a news conference in her office.

But Ms Allred said Lewis, who starred in the TV series Grange Hill, provided evidence to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. She refused to give specifics or answer questions about whether Lewis's allegations involved drugs or rape.

"Our detectives did conduct the interview but the department has not begun an investigation," said a police spokesman.

Lewis played a role in Polanski's 1986 film Pirates and is also credited with a role in the 1986 movie The Golden Child and small roles in other films and TV shows.

It was unclear what year the alleged assault took place.

"He took advantage of me and I have lived with the effects of his behaviour ever since," said Lewis, reading a statement at the news conference. "All I want is justice."