Operation Hydrant reports 1,016 referrals into allegations of non-recent child sex abuse in football
Wednesday 18 January 2017 10:42, UK
More than 1,000 referrals have been made to Operation Hydrant over allegations of non-recent child sex abuse in football.
Statistics released on Wednesday put the total number of referrals, as of January 13, at 1,016, with 614 of those having come from the NSPCC helpline set up to help victims.
The remaining referrals come from the multiple police forces across the United Kingdom who have opened their own investigations, with the total indicative number of victims having risen to 526.
A total of 184 potential suspects have been identified and 248 football clubs are said to have been impacted through reference when information was submitted.
The vast majority of of referrals relate to football, although 22 have been made from sports including rugby, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, wrestling, golf, sailing, athletics, cricket, and swimming.
National Police Chiefs' Council lead for Child Protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey 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."
