Police Scotland launch investigation into football child abuse

By The Newsroom
Published 29th Nov 2016, 22:28 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 12:53 BST
Eric Bristow made a series of remarks on Twitter about the issue. Picture: ContributedEric Bristow made a series of remarks on Twitter about the issue. Picture: Contributed
Eric Bristow made a series of remarks on Twitter about the issue. Picture: Contributed
Police Scotland has received allegations of historical child abuse in football.

The force yesterday became the latest in the UK to confirm it is looking into reports, following claims made by former players in England.

A UK hotline set up for sexual abuse victims in the wake of the claims has received more than 250 reports since launching less than a week ago.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We can confirm we have received reports in connection with non-recent child abuse within football.

“We are working with both Operation Hydrant and the NSPCC to ensure there is a 
co-ordinated UK police response. It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, Police Scotland public protection, said: “We will continue to work with partners, including the National Police Chiefs Council through Operation Hydrant, the Scottish Football Association and the NSPCC to ensure a co-ordinated police response is in place and that we maintain an accurate picture of child abuse investigations.

“Speaking out about any form of child abuse is incredibly difficult and disclosures are often made many years after an incident took place.

“Police Scotland will listen to any such disclosure, regardless of the passage of time, and will investigate as well as work with partner organisations who have access to advocacy and support during the ­process of disclosure and investigation.”

Last night the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that former football coach Barry Bennell, 62, has been charged with child sex offences.

He is accused of eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.

On 27 September, the CPS received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving Bennell.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1981 and 1985.

A spokesman for the CPS said: “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell will now begin and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Bennell is due to appear at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on 14 December.

The Scottish Government was also yesterday urged by a Conservative MSP to launch a “focused investigation