Former football coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight sexual abuse offences against a boy under the age of 14.

A CPS spokesman said: “On 27 September 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving a former football coach, Barry Bennell.

“Following a review of the evidence, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, Mr Bennell, 62, has today been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14."

Bennel is due to appear at South Cheshire magistrates court on 14 December.

The offences Bennell has been charged with include five counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14, two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and assault with intent to commit buggery.

Following recent media coverage over claims of child sexual assault in football, the CPS has asked for restraint. “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell will now begin and that he has a right to a fair trial,” it said.