Over 2,000 referrals being investigated in football child abuse inquiry

More than 780 potential victims have now been identified in the ongoing investigation into alleged child abuse in sport. Figures released by Operation Hydrant show 285 suspects are being investigated for reportedly sexually abusing victims as young as four in all tiers of UK football. The investigation has received 2,028 referrals, 688 of which came from the NSPCC. Twenty-seven referrals relate to other sports, including basketball, cricket and gymnastics. Chief Constable Simon Bailey, national lead for child protection, said: “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.”