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Andy Woodward ‘hurt’ by wait to give police statement over sexual abuse Andy Woodward ‘hurt’ by wait to give police statement over sexual abuse
(about 5 hours later)
Andy Woodward has revealed he is still waiting to give police information about the alleged sexual abuse he suffered as a junior player and says he wants to “let go of that pain”.Andy Woodward has revealed he is still waiting to give police information about the alleged sexual abuse he suffered as a junior player and says he wants to “let go of that pain”.
Last month the 43-year-old told the Guardian he was sexually abused as a young footballer in the 1980s. Woodward waived his right to lifelong anonymity to speak out - and others followed. Last month the 43-year-old told the Guardian he was sexually abused as a young footballer in the 1980s. Woodward waived his right to lifelong anonymity to speak out – and others followed.
He took to social media on Wednesday night to reveal his disappointment at a lack of action and hinted that the delay was hindering his recovery. On social media on Wednesday night he revealed his disappointment at a lack of action and hinted that the delay was hindering his recovery.
Woodward wrote on Twitter: “I’ve now been waiting 5 weeks to provide my statement with the police for further abuse on me. I’ve not mentioned it before now but it hurts.Woodward wrote on Twitter: “I’ve now been waiting 5 weeks to provide my statement with the police for further abuse on me. I’ve not mentioned it before now but it hurts.
“I’ve kept quiet about it but now people should know I suffered more than one abuser. I need to let go of that pain yet still waiting.”“I’ve kept quiet about it but now people should know I suffered more than one abuser. I need to let go of that pain yet still waiting.”
Messages of support followed for Woodward, which he retweeted.Messages of support followed for Woodward, which he retweeted.
Chief constable Simon Bailey said in a statement on the National Police Chiefs’ Council website earlier on Wednesday: “Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon.Chief constable Simon Bailey said in a statement on the National Police Chiefs’ Council website earlier on Wednesday: “Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon.
“We continue to urge anyone who may have been a victim of child sexual abuse to report it by dialling 101, or contacting the dedicated NSPCC helpline, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place.“We continue to urge anyone who may have been a victim of child sexual abuse to report it by dialling 101, or contacting the dedicated NSPCC helpline, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place.
“We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously. Anyone with any information regarding child sexual abuse is also urged to come forward.”“We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously. Anyone with any information regarding child sexual abuse is also urged to come forward.”
However, Bailey acknowledged that the “higher than usual” number of calls was causing delays. The latest figures from the NPCC have showed significant increases in the numbers of clubs implicated, referrals, suspects and victims.However, Bailey acknowledged that the “higher than usual” number of calls was causing delays. The latest figures from the NPCC have showed significant increases in the numbers of clubs implicated, referrals, suspects and victims.
According to the information gathered by Operation Hydrant - the UK-wide police investigation into non-recent child sexual abuse - 148 clubs are now involved, with 155 potential suspects and 429 victims, aged between four and 20. According to the information gathered by Operation Hydrant – the UK-wide police investigation into non-recent child sexual abuse – 148 clubs are now involved, with 155 potential suspects and 429 victims, aged between four and 20.
These figures are the result of 819 referrals to Operation Hydrant, with about three-quarters of those coming from the dedicated helpline set up by the Football Association and child protection charity NSPCC last month and the rest from police forces. These figures are the result of 819 referrals to Operation Hydrant, with about three-quarters of those coming from the dedicated helpline set up by the Football Association and the child protection charity NSPCC last month and the rest from police forces.
• The helpline, available 24 hours a day, can be reached on 0800 023 2642 • The helpline, available 24 hours a day, can be reached on 0800 023 2642.