The number of clubs impacted by British football's historic child sex abuse scandal has leapt to 248, according to figures released today by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC).
This is an increase of 100 clubs, amateur and professional, since the last update four weeks ago.
Operation Hydrant, the coordination hub set up in 2014 to deal with historic abuse cases, has now received 1,016 referrals from the NSPCC's dedicated football hotline and police forces around the country, up from 819 before Christmas.
These referrals have resulted in the identification of 184 suspects and 526 potential victims, of whom 97% are male, with an age range from four to 20.
The vast majority of these referrals relate to football but Operation Hydrant has now received 22 non-football referrals from several different sports.
In a statement, chief constable Simon Bailey, the NPCC lead for child protection, said: "Operation Hydrant is beginning to see a decrease in the number of referrals being received via the NSPCC helpline and directly to forces relating to allegations of abuse within football, and other sports.
"Allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse are complex, and often require specialist skills and knowledge, and can take time to progress. However, all allegations and information received by police forces across the country are being acted upon.
"We continue to urge anyone who may have been a victim of child sexual abuse to report it by dialling 101, or contacting the dedicated NSPCC helpline, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place. We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously. Anyone with any information regarding child sexual abuse is also urged to come forward.
"When allegations are reported it enables police to assess whether there are current safeguarding risks and ensure that appropriate action is being taken to prevent children being abused today."
Funded by the Football Association, the NSPCC hotline was set up in early December and is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642. The FA has also instigated an independent review, led by Clive Sheldon QC, into its handling of abuse allegations in the years prior to 2005.
Source: PA
