A joint police, Ofsted and children's services investigation has been launched into the welfare of children at two nurseries in York.

The privately owned nurseries being investigated are Little Joe’s Day Nursery in the Fishergate area and Heworth House Day Nursery in the Melrosegate area.

In a joint statement, Ofsted, City of York Council’s safeguarding children board and North Yorkshire Police said: "The enquiries relate to the running of the nurseries, the quality of care and the welfare of children who attend the nurseries.

"City of York Council has written to all parents whose children currently attend the nurseries, to inform them of the inquiry and to assure them that they will kept fully informed of all developments."

An advice line has been set up for concerned parents and the statement adds that "there is no suggestion that any sexual abuse has taken place".