Andy Woodward, a former player for Crewe, has set up the Offside Trust to help victims of sexual abuse in football. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
Press Association
The number of clubs affected by British football’s historical child sexual abuse scandal has grown to 248, according to figures released on Wednesday by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
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 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 majority of these referrals relate to football but Operation Hydrant has received 22 non-football referrals from several different sports including rugby, gymnastics, tennis, swimming and golf.
In a statement, the 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 before 2005.
Meanwhile, chief suspect Barry Bennell plead not guilty to 8 counts of child sex abuse Monday.
Pedophile ex-football coach Barry Bennell pleads
not guilty to sex abuse charges
Picture shows Crewe Magistrates Court (UK) where Former football coach Barry Bennell appeared on December 14, 2016. © Andrew Mccaren / www.globallookpress.com
Former youth football coach and convicted pedophile Barry Bennell has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of child sex abuse at a hearing at Chester Crown Court, UK.
Each count relates to a boy under the age of 14 and occurred between 1981 and 1986.
Bennell appeared via videolink from HMP Woodhill, in Milton Keynes, to plead "not guilty" to all the charges as they were read out to him.
One of the alleged offences is said to have taken place at a Butlins holiday camp.
Two offences were said to have occurred in Furness Vale, Derbyshire, while others were said to have happened in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Bennell was a highly respected coach in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. He ran several feeder teams in the north west of England, including for English Premier League side Manchester City, which launched an investigation into his involvement with the club following the allegations.
Professionally, Bennell was most closely linked to Crewe Alexandra, now a League Two side, but also had worked for Leeds United and Stoke City.
Following his plea he was remanded into custody until March 20, when a hearing will be held to discuss trial preparation.
Remanding the defendant in custody, Judge Roger Dutton said: "Barry Bennell, your case goes back for a further hearing here at Chester Crown Court on the 20th of March and you are remanded in custody until then," MailOnline reported.
Bennell was convicted of child sex crimes in the US in 1994 and in the UK in 1998 and 2015.
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