More than 300 witnesses, including some from Scotland, are expected to give evidence into allegations of historical child abuse in church and state-run homes in Northern Ireland.

Former judge Sir Anthony Hart is examining the extent of wrongdoing in children's homes, orphanages, industrial schools, workhouses, borstals, hospital units and schools for young people with disabilities in a hearing starting today. Many were run by religious orders.

The problem was found to be endemic in similar institutions in the Republic of Ireland.