More nuns have been reported to prosecutors over allegations of child abuse.

Officers have arrested 12 nuns and former lay members of staff in connection with alleged assaults on children at Smyllum Park orphanage in Lanark and elsewhere.

Those arrested involved 11 women and a man, aged between 62 and 85.

Another four, some of whom are nuns ranging from ranging from 71 and 93 years old, have been reported over the alleged incidents.

A Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) has heard evidence about life at the Lanark home, which closed in the 1980s.

Former residents have previously testified about receiving beatings and ill-treatment at the orphanage, run by the nuns of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul.

Some claimed punishments included being locked in a fire escape and pushed into a toilet.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "A further four individuals will be reported.

"Inquiries are continuing."

Detective chief inspector Sarah Taylor added: "Investigating child abuse offences is highly complex and every care is taken to ensure that enquiries are proportionate, appropriate and that victims' needs are central to our investigations.

"If you or anyone you know has been a victim of abuse or wishes to report abuse you should feel confident in reporting to Police Scotland.

"We will listen and we will take action regardless of when or where the abuse occurred."