Campaigners have called for an investigation into allegations that counterfeit materials may have been used in controversial mesh implants in Scotland.

Fears have been raised that an unknown number of women in Scotland could have received implants with the alleged materials.

US lawyer Steve Mostyn alleges that manufacturer Boston Scientific sourced polypropylene from an area of China notorious for counterfeit materials to be used in implants, a claim denied by the company.

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However, a spokeswoman for Boston Scientific said the allegations are 'simply not true'.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay said the claims are "astonishing and deeply, deeply disturbing", while campaign group Scottish Mesh Survivors has called for a suspension on the use of Boston Scientific products.

A press conference at Holyrood heard that while the total number was not known, 82 women in Glasgow were implanted with Boston Scientific products between 2012 and 2013, and the products could still be in use in Scotland.

A Scottish Government suspension on the use of mesh implants is currently in place pending a report by an expert group into their use, but procedures can take place for women who want to go ahead with surgery.

Currently there are more than 400 legal cases going through the Scottish courts relating to mesh implants, used to treat prolapse and bladder problems.

Patrick McGuire, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors - which represents mesh claimants, said: "There's absolutely no doubt that there is something here that needs to be investigated in Scotland."

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Mr Mostyn said: "China doesn't make a lot of polypropylene, but China is the world's recycler of polypropylene and there's a grave concern that the polypropylene that is in these bags, that has now been permanently implanted inside these women, that is not reversible, is recycled material from around the world."

A spokeswoman for Boston Scientific said: "These allegations are simply not true. We stand by our products, our testing and verification of the Marlex used in our products, and we continue to reject any allegations that this resin is counterfeit or adulterated.

"We are working on a number of fronts to ensure the public and the medical communities have accurate information. We are deeply committed to patient safety."

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A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates medical devices across the UK, and has not issued an alert regarding the implants concerned.

"The MHRA has responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the safety and performance of these devices. If the agency were to highlight any concerns with these products, then we would react immediately and follow any guidance issued."