The country's third largest police force has launched a probe into allegations of historical child sex abuse in youth football after recent media reports prompted people to come forward.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has joined the Metropolitan Police and the FA in investigating the growing scandal, which was sparked when an ex-player spoke out about the abuse he suffered at the hands of convicted paedophile Barry Bennell.
It comes after it emerged that Bennell, a former Crewe Alexandra coach, was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital on Friday night after being found unconscious, in what Thames Valley Police called a "fear for welfare" incident.
Hampshire, Cheshire and Northumbria police forces are also investigating reports received since former Crewe, Bury and Sheffield United player Andy Woodward became the first to speak out this month about abuse he suffered at the hands of Bennell.
The Football Association is facing mounting pressure to expand the scope of an inquiry into abuse.
Damian Collins MP, chairman of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, accused the FA of being slow in responding to the growing scandal.
English football's governing body appointed senior lawyer Kate Gallafent QC to assist with its review into historical child sex abuse allegations starting in the 1970s.
As many as seven professional clubs are embroiled in the growing scandal, with more than 20 former players alleging they were victims, Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief executive Gordon Taylor has said.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Ford said the force had launched an investigation after receiving a "number of calls" reporting historic sexual abuse while they were in the youth football system.
Bennell, who was given a nine-year jail term in 1998 after being convicted of a string of sex offences against boys, remains in hospital after being found unconscious.
The football coach, who worked for Crewe, Manchester City, Stoke and junior teams in north-west England and the Midlands, abused boys from the 1970s onwards.
