Allegations of child sex abuse within football clubs in Cambridgeshire now involve 30 alleged victims according to the chief constable.

Alec Wood confirmed the escalating nature of the inquiry and said a specialist team of officers from within Cambridgeshire had been set up to carry out inquiries.

He confirmed that some of the allegations involved officials from professional clubs but that other levels of football were involved. The allegations date back to the late 60s and through to the late 90s.

Cambridge United and Peterborough United both pledged – before Christmas- their full co-operation with the investigation.

Peterborough United owner and chairman Darragh MacAnthony said: “Peterborough United will help the police, the FA, PFA and all other governing bodies of football in their investigations into historical child sex abuse claims.

“If anyone is found guilty of any offences, we hope they will be severely dealt with by those authorities in a quick and timely manner.”