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Football abuse: Helpline gets 250 calls, MPs told Sport bodies told to review child safety
(about 1 hour later)
A helpline for victims of child sexual abuse in football has received more than 250 reports in a week, MPs have been told. The UK's major sporting bodies have been told to ensure child protection in their sport is "as robust as possible".
Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said the NSPCC helpline had been inundated. Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has written to 40 national governing bodies urging them to look into whether any historical claims of abuse need investigating.
Meanwhile, seven police forces have confirmed they are investigating claims of abuse related to football. Some 250 people have now contacted police after ex-footballers spoke about abuse they suffered as children.
Eight police forces are looking into claims of historic abuse in the sport.
Police Scotland is the latest force to confirm it is looking into allegations following claims of sexual abuse by former players, as the FA begins an internal review.
'Multiple' allegations
Staffordshire Police said it had received a number of calls, while Cambridgeshire was investigating "multiple" allegations.Staffordshire Police said it had received a number of calls, while Cambridgeshire was investigating "multiple" allegations.
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke said the scandal was one of the biggest crises in the history of the organisation.
'Brought to justice'
Ms Bradley told the Commons: "I understand that at the time of me standing up there had been over 250 reports to the NSPCC helpline, of which 51 are in Cheshire alone.
"I think it is also important though that police have the time and space that they need to carry out proper investigations and inquiries and make sure that they obtain all the evidence.
"We want to see perpetrators brought to justice wherever possible, and we need to make sure the police have time to do that."
The Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Cheshire and Northumbria police forces have also announced they are investigating reports of abuse.The Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Cheshire and Northumbria police forces have also announced they are investigating reports of abuse.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We are determined to thoroughly gather any evidence which will allow us to bring those who may have been involved to justice, while taking a sensitive approach to supporting the victim throughout."A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We are determined to thoroughly gather any evidence which will allow us to bring those who may have been involved to justice, while taking a sensitive approach to supporting the victim throughout."
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke said the scandal was one of the biggest crises in the history of the organisation.