Crewe Alexandra have announced that they have launched an independent investigation into the way the club handled historical allegations of child abuse.

The announcement comes after multiple former footballers came forward to allege that they had been sexually abused as children by ex-Crewe coach Barry Bennell.

A report in The Guardian today claimed that Hamilton Smith, previously on the board at Crewe, wrote to the FA in 2001 raising concerns about Bennell but was told that there was "no case to answer".

In a statement, the League Two side said: "Crewe Alexandra Football Club can today announce that it is to launch an independent review of the way the club dealt with historical child abuse allegations.

"The club is determined that a thorough investigation takes place at the earliest opportunity and believes an independent review, to be conducted via the appointment of external legal counsel, is the correct way forward in the circumstances."

Police are now thought to be investigating more than 100 lines of enquiry relating to Bennell and other former coaches from clubs around the country as more victims come forward.