Football sex abuse scandal victims reaches 741

THE football sex abuse scandal now involves 741 victims, 276 potential suspects and covers 328 clubs of all levels up to the Premier League, figures revealed yesterday.

Almost 200 new victims have been identified in just three months by Operation Hydrant, the inquiry into the biggest scandal to rock the game.

Hundreds of calls offering new information came in after a BBC Crimewatch special in April. Nearly a quarter related to the sport at professional level, some dating back to the 1970s. The age of victims at the time of the abuse ranged from four to 20. Most are male.

A hotline was set up after ex-Spurs and England star Paul Stewart bravely told the Mirror last year of his own abuse, after reading our story about another victim, former Crewe player Andy Woodward. Paul, 52, is now backing calls to improve child safety in the national game with safeguarding officers.

The Football Association is carrying out an independent review into its handling of abuse allegations in the years before 2005.

Operation Hydrant leader Chief Constable Simon Bailey said: “All allegations and information received by police are being acted upon.”