A former football coach has been arrested in Northern Ireland over sex abuse claims.

Jim McCafferty, 71, who was involved in football in Scotland and Ireland from the 1980s, was arrested in Belfast by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after walking into a police station.

It follows an interview that McCafferty, originally from Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, gave to the Irish Mirror newspaper.

McCafferty, who now lives in Belfast, was formerly a kit man at Celtic, Hibs and Falkirk.

In a video posted by the newspaper McCafferty said last night: "I have been bad to people who didn’t deserve it and I want to apologise.

"I hope in time the people I hurt will find a way to forgive me although I will understand if they don’t.

"But I also want to say that I hope anyone who was bad to the youth players in any team in any club around Scotland, Ireland and England will come forward and admit what they did.

"If I can do it and face time in jail, then the rest of them can too. I wasn't innocent, I was not the worst but I wasn’t the best either but it was all wrong and people who were hurt deserve to be recognised. They shouldn’t have to face a lengthy court case to get justice. I don’t want to be a part of that. I’ve done enough hurt. I’m drawing a line here. I hope others follow."

Detective Superintendent Deirdre Bones, from the PSNI's public protection branch, said: "A 71-year-old male has been arrested by detectives after presenting himself at a station in Belfast.

"He was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences against children in Northern Ireland. He is currently helping police with their inquiries."

In Scotland, police say they have received information about alleged historic offences and will investigate.

A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland has received a report of non-recent sexual abuse and will commence inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this matter."