Three suspended at care school

Three employees at a school for troubled youngsters have been suspended as part of a police inquiry into claims of "excessive and inappropriate" restraint of children.

Six other staff at the Kerelaw school in Ayrshire have been redeployed as a precautionary measure, said Glasgow City Council which runs the school.

The school cares for youngsters with "significant" social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties. It can accommodate 50 youngsters and has a secure campus for a further 24.

A Strathclyde Police spokesman said: "We have been contacted by Glasgow City Council and are investigating historic allegations of excessive and inappropriate use of restraint. Inquiries are at a very early stage."

A council statement said: "The investigation was triggered when employees at the school raised concerns that other staff may have acted inappropriately in their use of restraint measures in certain situations."

The Care Commission is also to carry out an investigation.