The De la Salle Brothers have denied allegations of sexual and physical abuse at a special school in Scotland.

Police confirmed they investigated claims against monks at the former St Ninian's List D school in Gartmore, Stirlingshire.

The residential school was run by the Brothers between 1960 and 1982 and cared for up to 34 boys, aged from seven to 11, who had been sent there by children's panels across Scotland.

Hundreds of boys are believed to have passed through the school during its 40 year existence. It was closed in 1982 as part of a government review of List D schools.

A police spokesman confirmed that an inquiry had been carried out and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal. He said he was unable to disclose the precise nature of the allegations.

Lawyer John McCormick said on behalf of the De La Salle Order: "The De La Salle order has co-operated fully with the police investigations.

"Nobody has been charged and the allegations are vigorously denied. All the evidence available indicates that St Ninian's was run in an exemplary manner.

"The certificate of approval was withdrawn by the then secretary of state because of over capacity of List D places in 1982 and for no other reason."

Mr McCormick added: "Unlike those making the allegations and their advisers, I will reserve any further comment until after the result of the civil action is known."

Glasgow lawyer Cameron Fyfe said he had launched a civil action against the De La Salle Brothers on behalf of eleven ex-pupils, each claiming £20,000 in damages.

Mr Fyfe said: "The allegations are horrific, but I want to stress that they remain purely allegations at the moment.

"I had hoped to spare the alleged victims the trauma of a court action but the De La Salle order refused to negotiate with me over the matter."

Diocesan spokesman Fr Danny McLoughlin, said: "Any allegations of abuse must be taken very seriously.

"It is important when serious allegations like these are made that they are fully investigated by the appropriate authorities.

"The bishops of Scotland have made it clear that they view the protection of children and vulnerable adults as a priority."