Police reveal London's top football teams included in list of more than 250 historic sex abuse allegations

Sex abuse: The historic allegations relate to 77 clubs
Michael Regan/Getty Images
Chloe Chaplain31 January 2017

Police investigating historic sexual abuse at London football clubs have announced hundreds of allegations have been lodged – with some relating to the city’s top teams.

The Metropolitan Police force released a statement revealing that 255 cases of abuse in London teams have been reported, relating to individuals at 77 clubs.

The sex abuse claims include all five Premier League teams as well as three Championship teams, three League One and Two teams and 66 other named clubs.

The force refused to disclose the names of the clubs involved or the nature of the allegations against each club.

But the city’s top teams believed to be involved are Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and Crystal Palace.

And other London clubs previously named in connection with the events include Queens Park Rangers, Millwall, Charlton and Leyton Orient.

Sex abuse: All five top London teams are believed to be involved in the allegations
James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images

The investigation was launched on December 8 and covers every level of football.

Detective chief superintendent Ivan Balhatchet of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command said: "The Met take all allegations seriously, and specialist officers will work through the information passed to them.

"Anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault should contact their local force, or call the NSPCC help line on 0800 023 2642."

A spokesman for Crystal Palace said: "We have had no contact from the Metropolitan Police so we have no idea whether these allegations relate to Crystal Palace FC. Clearly, should we be contacted, we will co-operate fully with any inquiry and give every possible assistance to the police in their investigations.

"We urge anyone aware of any instances of abuse that have ever taken place at the club, or who has been a victim, to report it to the police or contact the FA's NSPCC helpline."

A spokesman for Tottenham Hotspur said: "We have not been contacted regarding any allegations."

Chelsea have previously said the club is assisting the Metropolitan Police and the Football Association with their investigations. Arsenal declined to comment.

Earlier this month, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), which is co-ordinating the nationwide police investigation Operation Hydrant, said more than 500 complainants and 184 potential suspects had been identified by police investigating football's child sex abuse scandal.

The inquiry involves up to 248 football clubs, spanning all tiers of the game from the Premier League down to amateur level.

Latest figures show the total number of potential victims standing at 526, with 97% identified as male. Their ages span from 20 to four.

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