GMP investigating 35 reports of non-recent sexual abuse in football

Debbie Ford, Assistant Chief Constable

GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Ford, said: “This week GMP, along with a number of other forces, launched an investigation into reports of non-recent sexual abuse in youth football.

“We have received a number of calls from victims and those with concerns and on a daily basis the investigation is growing. We are currently in the process of speaking to victims in person and providing them with specialist support.

“As of today, Thursday 1 December 2016, we are investigating reports from 35 victims and we have identified 10 suspects.

“We are co-ordinating our investigation with forces nationally and with Operation Hydrant, the national co-ordination hub for non-recent child abuse investigations concerning persons of public prominence and within institutions.

“This investigation could continue to grow so we are continuing our appeal for anyone who was a victim of sexual or physical abuse to come forward and call police on 101 as soon as possible.

“I understand that reporting such traumatic events is extremely difficult. I want to reassure anyone who is thinking about coming forward that we will be there to support them throughout and I would like to praise the bravery of those who have come forward so far.”