A major investigation was launched in November after Police Scotland received reports of “non-recent child abuse within football” and to date over 150 people have reported being the victims of historical child sexual abuse within Scottish football.
Eleven arrests have been made so far.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, Head of Public Protection, Police Scotland, said:“Police Scotland’s investigation into child sexual abuse in football continues.
“Between 25 November 2016 and 30 June 2017, Police Scotland has been contacted directly or indirectly, via the NSPCC and SFA helpline, by 162 individuals wishing to report or provide information about child sexual abuse in football. In addition, Police Scotland has proactively made contact with a number of victims and witnesses.
“As of 30th June 2017, 11 people have been arrested; more than 150 people have reported being sexually abused as a child within a football club setting and 295 crimes have been recorded.
“Investigations of this nature are highly complex. However, with a dedicated specialist investigation team; major incident administrative system and analytical support, we are confident that our investigations, which are risk focused, are progressing well.
“I would wish to thank each and every person who has engaged with the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit. We understand how difficult this can be, which is why we work closely with other agencies to ensure that support and advocacy services are available to meet individual needs.
“Many people came forward last year after Andy Woodward bravely waived his right to anonymity. Others have come forward since then and continue to do so. Our assurance to anyone who has not felt able to report so far is you are absolutely not alone – we will listen; we will investigate regardless of where or when the abuse occurred and we will take prompt action to ensure that no-one else is at risk of harm.
“We would ask anyone who has concerns or information about any person who may pose a risk to children or who may have abused a child to contact Police Scotland on 101 or their local Social Work Department.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
