The sexual abuse case brought to the forefront of the football world over the course of the last few weeks has taken anotherhorrible twist today, with the National Police Chiefs' Council reporting that "around 350 victims" have come forward over the last few weeks.
Former playersAndy Woodward, Paul Stewart, David White, Steve Walters and Mark Williams have explained in recent days that they weresexually assaulted by Barry Bennell as youth team players several years ago, but the latest number of reports is staggering and disturbingto say the least.
National Police Chiefs' Council says around 350 victims have come forward to report child sexual abuse within football clubs. #SSNHQ
The NPCCpublished a statementon their website today reading: "Current figures, collated from information supplied by forces to Operation Hydrant and including referrals from the NSPCC helpline, suggest a total of around 350 victims have come forward to report child sexual abuse."
National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Child Protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey said on the matter:It is important to note that this is an indicative figure only, and that information is still being collated, numbers will, therefore, continue to change.
We are working closely with the Football Association to ensure that the response to this significant and growing number of victims, at all levels of football, is coordinated effectively.
Swansea City boss Bob Bradley's thoughts on the investigation into football child sex abuse https://t.co/gfVlwb6qyW
We continue to encourage those who have been the victim of child sexual abuse to report it, 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.
When allegations are reported it enables police to assess whether there are current safeguarding risks and to ensure that appropriate action is taken to prevent children being abused today.
As the number of calls being received across the service is high, it may take longer than normal for an officer from a local force to make contact to follow up from the initial call, but please be assured that the information provided will be taken seriously and acted upon.�
FA's chief executive Martin Glenn has also spoken on the subject on Thursday, promising to punish any club found guilty of covering up sexual abuse regardless of size�.