FORTY care workers either sexually or physically abused children in a disgraced Scots care homey.

FORTY care workers either sexually or physically abused children in a disgraced Scots care homey.

Staff at the Kerelaw residential unit in Ayrshire preyed on some of the most vulnerable children in the country, says a new report.

A three year investigation has found a "significant core of staff" were involved in the abuse which was covered up by colleagues and senior management.

Fourteen workers have been sacked and a number of others disciplined since the scandal first emerged in 2004.

Although investigators have made no attempt to quantify how many children were abused, it's thought many hundreds of youngsters suffered at the hands of care staff.

The report, before Glasgow City Council, reveals the full extent of the abuse for the first time.

It states: "The investigation shows there was a significant core of staff, around 40 individuals, directly involved in the abuse of young people.

"However, a far larger number of staff had knowledge and information about abuse and potential abuse, and were unwilling or unable to address this abuse."

Council investigators have also criticised senior social work and education managers for their handling of the unit, near Stevenston, which was shut last year. The school's management was removed in June 2004 following a tip-off from a member of staff.

The report continues: "It is also clear that there have been deficiencies in the quantity, quality, visibility and assertiveness of external management."

It's understood the vast majority of victims were physically abused rather than sexually assaulted.

A total of 20 staff have been reported to the procurator fiscal. Two of those - art teacher Matt George and care manager John Muldoon - have been jailed, another has died and cases have been dropped against two others.

There are still 15 outstanding cases, five for sexual offences and 10 for "multiple assaults".

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "The investigation found a significant core of staff, including some managers, were directly involved in the abuse of young people while many others were unable or unwilling to act against this abuse.

"Within a culture of fear and collusion, it is evident that allegations from young people went unheard.

"As a direct consequence of the investigation, the council has implemented a wide-ranging response to safeguard young people in our care system in future."