POLICE Scotland are to meet with Glasgow City Council officials over the ongoing investigation into years of suspected financial irregularities with the local authority.

Official have already held several discussions with the force about the probe, but they will give a thorough and up-to-date briefing early next week.

Glasgow contacted the force after it uncovered evidence that has led to the suspension of three officials, with several more also under the microscope.

It is understood, that on the advice of the force, the council will conclude its own probe into senior staff within its Development and Regeneration Services Department (DRS) before police decide on the next move.

It emerged last week that two DRS officials, Kaiser Khan and Evelyn Beck, have been suspended "as a precautionary measure". The probe emerged during routine auditing but quickly expanded into other areas.

This week, it emerged that Marjorie Miller, a senior manager within the department under scrutiny, has also been suspended, again as a precaution.

Part of the inquiry is examining allegations that DRS officers were hiring themselves as freelance ­business consultants to firms they had assisted with grants, loans and facilities.

Senior sources at the council have also told The Herald they expect more officers to be suspended as the probe widens.

One said: "When the extent of the investigation became apparent we spoke with Police Scotland. What makes sense is for us to complete our own audit and see at that stage if we need to bring the cops back in to look themselves."

A council spokesman said: "We have spoken twice already with Police Scotland on the matter.

"A meeting is planned for next week when we will give a full briefing on the investigation to date."