A corruption probe has been launched at a Scots council after "extremely serious" allegations were made against the authority.

North Lanarkshire Council says it has launched an investigation after its leader received a letter making making serious claims of corruption.

The allegations were made anonymously by letter to council leader councillor Jim Logue on Thursday and relate to the council's procurement process.

The council says it has now launched an internal audit and have informed Police Scotland of the situation. The force say they are aware of the allegation and are reviewing them.

STV News understands the allegations are "wide ranging" and relate the council's contract tender process.

Councillors as well as council officials are understood to be implicated in the claims.

A police spokeswoman said: "North Lanarkshire Council has made Police Scotland aware of the allegations and the matter will be reviewed."

The councils internal audit team are able to access all files held by any part of the council and all IT systems.

Cllr Logue said: "These allegations, which are detailed, concern some of the council's procurement processes. If true, they are extremely serious.

"I immediately instructed Paul Jukes, the chief executive, to launch an investigation. That investigation, led by the council's internal audit team, is already under way. Should the auditors find anything which substantiates these allegations that evidence will immediately be handed over to Police Scotland.

"It is essential that the people of North Lanarkshire are able to have full confidence in the way the council conducts its business and I am determined that we are transparent at all times.

"Although these are currently unsubstantiated, anonymous allegations I believe that it is right to carry out a full investigation and share any evidence which comes to light with the police.

"As that investigation is now under way, it would be inappropriate for the council to comment further‎."