There are now 83 suspects in the football child abuse investigation, police have revealed.
The inquiry into the historic allegations has also now spread to 98 clubs from all tiers of the game, and the authorities are still receiving calls, according to information from the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
The NPCC also said 98 per cent of the victims are male, and were aged between seven and 20 when the alleged abuse took place.
Children’s charity the NSPCC set up a dedicated football helpline which has been feeding into the police inquiry with the total referrals now standing at 639 – though police say the total number of victims so far stands at around 350.
The NCPP said work is ongoing “with processes to determine if the referral relates to a victim or a witness and whether the information received is new or a duplication of information already received”.
Although 98 clubs have been referenced, the NPCC said not all are currently under investigation and that number refers to the clubs mentioned in connection with the inquiry, adding: ” The figure spans all tiers of football, from premier clubs through to amateur.”
NPCC lead for child protection Simon Bailey said: “Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon.
“We are ensuring an efficient and effective service-wide approach to investigating allegations, removing the potential for duplication and enabling the timely and effective sharing of intelligence and information between forces.
“We are also liaising closely with the Football Association to ensure all relevant information they hold is shared to inform investigations moving forward.
“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.
“As the number of calls being received across the service is higher than usual, it may take longer than normal for an officer from a local force to make contact to follow up from the initial call.
“Please be assured that the information provided will be taken seriously and acted upon.”
An NSPCC spokesman said: “These shocking numbers now identified by police reveal the deeply disturbing extent of abuse that has been going on within football.
“Our football hotline, launched with the support of the FA, saw a staggering surge in calls in its first week and anyone who wants to contact us can continue to do so in confidence, with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported.”
The helpline can be reached on 0800 023 2642.
