Five English Premier League and three Championship (second tier) football clubs are being investigated in relation to allegations of widespread historical child sex abuse in the sport dating back to the 1970s, British police said on Monday.

The Metropolitan Police Service, who confirmed last month that it had launched an investigation into allegations at football clubs in London, said it had received 255 separate allegations of sexual abuse at 77 named clubs or teams.

"As of Monday, 30 January, the investigative team, with officers from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, have received 255 separate allegations," the Met Police said in a statement. It added the allegations were connected with individuals at 77 named clubs or teams including five in the Premier League; three in the Championship; three in Leagues One and Two (third and fourth tier), and 66 other named clubs, which include non-league or non-professional or amateur teams.