AVON and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into alleged historic sexual abuse in football.

The probe follows the recent allegations of football coaches committing offences against youth team players in other areas of the country.

A force spokesman said: "Following the recent extensive media coverage about allegations of non-recent sexual abuse in football, we’ve received calls from members of the public providing us with information.

“All information received will be thoroughly investigated.

“We always encourage any victims of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago offences were committed, to come forward and speak to us.”

In the wake of recent allegations, former Crewe Alexandra youth football coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy aged under 14 between 1981 and 1985.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of historical abuse.

Mr Bennell, 62, is due to appear at South Cheshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, December 14.