Former Saints star Alan Shearer has spoken of his shock and sadness at the revelations of historical child sex abuse in youth football and urged any victims to come forward and contact a dedicated NSPCC helpline.

The National Police Chiefs' Council said around 350 people across the country had reported abuse allegations as investigations continue in forces across the country.

On Thursday, it was revealed that the NSPCC helpline for football received 860 calls in its first week.

The same day, two former Saints youngsters, Dean Radford and Jamie Webb – at The Dell at the same time as Shearer in the late 1980s – waved their anonymity to allege they were victims of historic abuse while at the club.

Shearer, who also played club football at Blackburn and Newcastle, offered words of support for anyone affected and encouraged them to come forward.

"Over the last week I have been shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the abuse that colleagues, and in some cases former team-mates, suffered," said Shearer, who like current England skipper Wayne Rooney is an ambassador for the children's charity NSPCC.

"Whilst I am lucky and have no personal experience of the terrible stories that have been described, I know from my work as an NSPCC ambassador the pain and lasting damage abuse can cause.

"I have nothing but huge respect and admiration for all the players who are now coming forward, bravely breaking years of silence in a bid to help others. They have carried a terrible burden for too long.

"I am so glad that the Football Association have acted swiftly and that NSPCC has set up a hotline, with their support so that players and others in the sport can come forward and get the help they need.

"It is okay to speak out, there is help available and you don't need to suffer in silence anymore."

::The new NSPCC hotline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.