526 alleged victims, 184 possible suspects and 248 clubs named in football sex abuse probe

POLICE have revealed there are more than 500 alleged victims and 248 clubs named in the football sex abuse probe.

The scandal emerged last year when a string of top footballers claimed they had been abused while at clubs' youth systems and academies.

Police chiefs today announced Operation Hydrant, the UK-wide investigation into non-recent child sexual abuse, has now received 1,016 referrals.

This is up from 819 before Christmas.

Cops are now looking into 184 suspects,  526 potential victims, and 248 clubs.

This is an increase of 100 clubs, professional and amateur, since the last update four weeks ago.

No clubs have been named but is has already emerged coaches with links to Manchester City, Chelsea, Leeds United, Stoke City, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Celtic, Blackpool and Crewe have been accused.

The National Police Chiefs' Council said 97% alleged victims are male, with an age range from four to 20.

Operation Hydrant has now received 22 referrals from several different sports.

Simon Bailey, chief constable of Norfolk , 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."

Chelsea have admitted paying £50,000 hush money to former player Gary Johnson, who was assaulted by the club’s then-chief scout Eddie Heath in the 1970s.

Four other clubs have been accused of striking hush-money confidentiality deals with victims.

Many former players have waived their right to anonymity after coming forward with abuse claims.

The most famous is Matt Le Tissier, a Saints legend who says he suffered at the hands of controversial coach Bob Higgins.

He joins a group of at least SIX Southampton starlets who have revealed their disturbing treatment at the hands of the club’s then-youth development officer.

Le Tissier is a Saints legend known to the supporters as ‘Le God’ — but who is now having to question what happened to him at the very outset of his career there.