AN inquiry was launched last night after two girls, aged 10 and 14, were allegedly left home alone while their parents went on holiday.

It is understood the girls had been left to look after themselves while their mother and father took a two-week break in Turkey.

Strathclyde police were called to a house in the Fairhill area of Hamilton, Lanarkshire, after neighbours raised the alarm. Family friends were last night believed to be taking care of the girls.

The couple were expected to be questioned by police when they arrive back in the UK.

A police spokeswoman said that the matter has been reported to them and their inquires were continuing.

South Lanarkshire Council declined to give details about the case.

''We are aware of an allegation and are looking into it,'' a spokesman said.