The Metropolitan Police Service have released a statement giving more information after their investigation into allegations of non-recent sexual abuse in football.
In total to date, they have received 255 separate allegations connected to individuals across 77 clubs.
The statement says, regarding the breakdown of the clubs:
– Five in the Premiership;
– Three against Championship clubs;
– Three against clubs in Leagues One and Two; and,
– There have also been 66 other named clubs which would include non-league or non-professional or amateur teams.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ivan Balhatchet of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command added: “The Met take all allegations seriously, and specialist officers will work through the information passed to them.
“Anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault should contact their local force, or call the NSPCC help line on 0800 023 2642.”
Although the Met said they would not be discussing the names of the clubs involved as the investigation is ongoing, according to Danny Shaw, Home Affairs Correspondent for BBC, Arsenal are one of the clubs being investigated:
Met Police on alleged abuse in football: all London Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Palace, Spurs, West Ham – have been named
— Danny Shaw (@DannyShawBBC) January 30, 2017