Essex Police given new David Sullivan information

Police in Essex have been given new information about West Ham co-owner David Sullivan following recent BBC Panorama and Times reporting about historic allegations against him.

The BBC said the force had received the new information on Wednesday, June 10, adding another strand to a developing story that has already drawn in football authorities and governance bodies.

The underlying allegations were first reported by The Times on June 8, when it published claims from seven women accusing Sullivan of predatory behaviour. Sullivan has denied the allegations through lawyers and has described the claims as false or defamatory.

Football fallout

Separate reporting on June 9 and June 10 said the Independent Football Regulator was seeking information about Sullivan’s suitability as a club owner. The Guardian and The Times also reported that he has been subject to a safeguarding restriction since 2023 involving West Ham’s women’s and youth teams.

The Times reported that the restriction was agreed by the club, the Football Association and a local authority in 2023, while Sullivan has disputed how that arrangement has been characterised.

The latest police development raises the prospect of further inquiries, but it is not yet clear what the new information is or whether it has led to any formal investigation.

Questions also remain over whether Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police, West Ham, the FA or the Independent Football Regulator will issue fresh public statements.

For now, the story is moving quickly and remains under active development.