A headmaster has been removed from his post amid claims he assaulted a child.

Bryan Kee, 42, has been removed from his duties after appearing in court in relation to an alleged incident involving a 10-year-old girl.

Mr Kee, of Larkhall, Lanarkshire, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court where he pled not guilty to a charge of assaulting the girl on November 8.

It is alleged he seized her by the neck and shoulder and pinned her against a wall before seizing her by the body.

He is also said to have shook her and repeatedly struck her head and body against a wall.

Mr Kee was granted bail and is expected to go on trial next month.

He has been reassigned duties at Larkhall Academy by South Lanarkshire Council education bosses who sent letters to parents telling them of the move. The alleged victim is not a pupil at the school.

South Lanarkshire Council's executive director of education Jim Gilhooly said: "The council is aware of the situation and has put in place arrangements to ensure the school will continue to operate as usual.

"We appreciate the understanding of staff and parents at this difficult time."