Police Scotland have become the latest UK force to launch an investigation in historic child sex abuse claims in football.

More than 20 former players have come forward with allegations of historical child abuse south of the border, prompting the Football Association in England to step up its review.

The revelations came to the fore in recent days after Barry Bennell, who was given a nine-year jail term in 1998 after being convicted of a string of sex offences against young boys, was cast into the public spotlight once again after one of his alleged victims spoke out.

The Scottish force said on Monday they were "closely monitoring" the allegations which emerged across England before confirming on Tuesday they were now investigating reports north of the border.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "We can confirm we have received reports in connection with non-recent child abuse within football.

"We are working with both Operation Hydrant and the NSPCC to ensure there is a coordinated UK police response. It would be inappropriate to comment further."

Former professional footballer Andy Woodward became the first to speak out last week about the alleged abuse he suffered at the hands of Bennell.

The coach, who worked for Crewe Alexandra, Manchester City, Stoke City and junior teams in north west England and the Midlands, abused young boys from the 1970s onwards.

He was jailed for four years for raping a British boy on a 1994 football tour of Florida, and then, aged 44, was given a nine-year sentence for 23 offences against six boys in England in 1998.

Bennell was jailed for a third time in 2015 after admitting abusing a boy at a 1980 football camp in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

Those to have made allegations against Bennell include former Manchester City star David White and youth players Jason Dunford and Chris Unsworth, plus ex-Crewe player Steve Walters.

Bennell was taken to hospital on Friday after police were called when he was found unconscious in a park in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, following a "fear for welfare incident"

Detective chief superintendent Lesley Boal, of Police Scotland's public protection unit, said: "We will continue to work with partners, including the National Police Chief's Council through Operation Hydrant, the Scottish Football Association and the NSPCC to ensure a coordinated police response is in place and that we maintain an accurate picture of child abuse investigations.

"Speaking out about any form of child abuse is incredibly difficult and disclosures are often made many years after an incident took place.

"Police Scotland will listen to any such disclosure, regardless of the passage of time, and will investigate as well as work with partner organisations who have access to advocacy and support during the process of disclosure and investigation."

She added: "We appreciate that sometimes finding a safe place to first talk about experiences helps eventual disclosure and would encourage anybody who feels this would assist to contact a support organisation. Details of such organisations can be accessed via Survivor Scotland www.survivorscotland.org.uk.

"Keeping children and young people safe is a top priority for Police Scotland and everyone has a role to play in protecting the country's children.

"Where reports are made, we will assess any current risks and ensure appropriate action is taken.

"If you suspect someone is being abused, please contact Police Scotland on 101."