A 68-year-old man has been arrested following an investigation into his alleged persistent sexual abuse of a 16‑year‑old boy in the ’80s.

Police will allege that he met, groomed and abused the child while he was the victim’s Australian rules football umpiring coach between 1985 and 1986.

The man is known to have been involved with numerous community organisations and attended community events since the mid-’80s.

He was arrested by police at his residence in Denman Prospect on Thursday evening and a search was made of his home.

Police say the man has been charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of acts of indecency without consent. Additional charges may be laid.

There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences in the ACT.