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Football sex abuse: Met police launches investigation Football sex abuse: Met Police launches investigation
(35 minutes later)
The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse in football at clubs in London.The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse in football at clubs in London.
A dedicated team of officers from the Met's sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command will work alongside Operation Hydrant.A dedicated team of officers from the Met's sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command will work alongside Operation Hydrant.
Hundreds of people have reported abuse to UK police so far, the National Police Chief's Council said.Hundreds of people have reported abuse to UK police so far, the National Police Chief's Council said.
The Met is not discussing the number of allegations or the clubs involved.The Met is not discussing the number of allegations or the clubs involved.
DCS Ivan Balhatchet from the Met said the force takes allegations seriously and they "will be dealt with sensitively". Det Ch Supt Ivan Balhatchet from the Met said the force takes allegations seriously and they "will be dealt with sensitively".
"Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, whatever the circumstances, or has any relevant information, should contact their local police or the NSPCC," he added."Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, whatever the circumstances, or has any relevant information, should contact their local police or the NSPCC," he added.
The announcement comes as the Football Association has been criticised for "dismissing" concerns about sexual abuse in football when they emerged in the 1990s. Football clubs across the UK have been implicated in a growing number of child sex abuse allegations.
Child sex abuse claims - story so far
The Met's announcement comes as the Football Association has been criticised for "dismissing" concerns about sexual abuse in football when they emerged in the 1990s.
A dedicated football abuse hotline set up by the NSPCC received more than 860 calls since it was set up about two weeks ago.A dedicated football abuse hotline set up by the NSPCC received more than 860 calls since it was set up about two weeks ago.
The phone line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.The phone line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.
Football teams across the UK have been implicated in a growing number of child sex abuse allegations.
Police forces investigating allegations:Police forces investigating allegations: