THAMES Valley Police has confirmed it is among the forces investigating allegations of child sexual abuse in football.

The scandal has seen 83 suspects from 98 clubs investigated by a total of 22 police forces.

When asked earlier this month, TVP denied it was one of the forces investigating any reports of sex abuse in football.

However, following a flurry of calls from victims and people offering information on alleged sex offenders in football, TVP today revealed it is now involved.

The allegations first came to light when Barry Bennell, 62, was charged with a string of sex offences. He is due to appear in court next week.

Anyone with information or has suffered abuse was urged to contact the force immediately.

A police spokesman told the Chronicle's sister paper the Oxford Mail: "Following widespread national publicity regarding allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse in football, many police forces, including Thames Valley Police have received calls from victims and from people offering information.

"The information is forwarded by forces to Operation Hydrant, along with referrals from the NSPCC helpline. This is part of the process of operational coordination across the police service in order to avoid duplication of investigation and ensure information and intelligence is shared across forces.

"As such Thames Valley Police is in the very early stages of investigating a number of reports. This includes making an assessment of any current risks posed and taking appropriate action to safeguard children.

"Thames Valley Police encourages anyone who has been the victim of child sexual abuse or has information to report it to us, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place. We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously."

More to follow.