THE probe into child sexual abuse within football has widened with a third police force receiving allegations.

Hampshire Police said its detectives are investigating non-recent child abuse "within the football community".

The statement came after Cheshire Police revealed that ''a growing number of disclosures'' had been made to the force and Northumbria Police said it was investigating an allegation by an unnamed former Newcastle United player that he was abused in the club's youth system.

A string of former footballers have come forward since Andy Woodward became the first to speak out publicly last week about abuse he suffered at the hands of convicted child abuser Barry Bennell, a former Crewe Alexandra coach.