New York City police say a 2010 rape claim made against film producer Harvey Weinstein is "credible".

The force is now gathering evidence to build a criminal case.

The 65-year-old was sacked by his own company in early October following claims of sexual harassment, assault and rape by dozens of women.

He later resigned from the company's board, but has denied any accusations made against him.

Some 70 women have made allegations against him.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told the Associated Press on Friday that investigators have interviewed actress Paz de la Huerta, who accused Weinstein of raping her twice in her apartment in 2010.

Mr Boyce said detectives found the actress' story believable, and corroborated portions of her account.

"The ability to articulate each and every minute of the crime, where she was, where they met, where this happened and what he did," he said.

He told reporters that if it was a recent allegation they would "go right away and make the arrest".

Mr Boyce said she called police on Octobter 26th.