Southampton contact police over historical child abuse claims

The club said it will work alongside Hampshire Police to investigate the reports of abuse

Southampton have become the latest club to be embroiled in the child sexual abuse scandal in football (Getty)

Southampton Football Club has contacted police after receiving information in relation to historical child abuse.

The club said it will work with Hampshire Police as a major probe into historical child sex abuse in youth football continues up and down the country.

It comes as West Midlands Police said it is currently "investigating four historical allegations of child sexual abuse in football" and Kent Police said it has also received reports of abuse within the county's football community.

Southampton FC said: "Southampton Football Club would like to confirm that we have contacted Hampshire Police following information supplied to us in relation to historical child abuse within football.

"Hampshire Police and Southampton Football Club are committed to working together to investigate any historical allegations that may be brought to light in the Hampshire area.

"The club has informed Hampshire Police that we will offer our full support to any investigation they undertake, for as long as it takes, and with our full focus."

A Kent Police spokesman said the force was reviewing the reports of abuse it had received, while the names of the football clubs linked to the claims and the number of allegations received have not been disclosed.

The spokesman urged victims in Kent who have not yet come forward to call the NSPCC helpline on 0800 023 2642.

PA