More Bill Cosby accusers come forward

The three women with lawyer Allred, right

Three more women have come forward to accuse comedian Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting them years ago.

At a news conference in Los Angeles hosted by lawyer Gloria Allred, the women described encounters with The Cosby Show star between 1981 and 1996.

The 77-year-old is facing a number of allegations dating back to the 1970s.

There was no immediate response from his lawyer in relation to the latest accusations, but Cosby has previously denied other alleged assaults.

The women at Wednesday's news conference described incidents of sexual assault in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

One of them, Linda Kirkpatrick, said she had wanted to come forward earlier but feared she would not be believed.

They happened too long ago to result in criminal charges or lawsuits and Allred urged Cosby to waive the statute of limitations.

This restricts the length of time in which legal action can be taken after an alleged crime has been committed.

Cosby has rubbished some of the allegations

The series of accusations, which he has described as "fantastical" and "uncorroborated", have led to some of his stand-up shows being called off and the cancellation of some TV projects.

But he began a three-night tour in Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, taking to the stage for the first time since November. Protesters outside the venue carried signs such as "Shame on you" and some ticket-holders boycotted the performance.

He is best known as Dr Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992, which was a huge hit in the US and around the globe.