A NURSE at a troubled Hampshire special school is at the centre of a new investigation.

Angela O’Neill, who works at Stanbridge Earls School, pictured, has been summoned to appear before the Nursing and Midwifery Council concerning allegations made against her.

Exact details of what the complaint is about have not been revealed.

The school, near Romsey, which is at the centre of sex abuse claims, said it believed the investigation related to an incident more than two years ago but would not elaborate further.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) told the Daily Echo that Ms O’Neill has been invited to a fitness to practise interim order hearing on Monday in London, where an independent panel will look at whether there is an “immediate risk to public protection”.

A spokeswoman said if the panel decided there was a risk, it had the ability to restrict her practices by forcing her to be supervised or stop working altogether in a particular setting until the inquiry was complete.

It is not known how long the investigation will last but it could take up to 18 months, the NMC confirmed.

A statement from the headteacher and governors of Stanbridge Earls said: “The school is aware that an investigation into one of our nursing staff is in progress and was last contacted by the NMC on June 18.

“It is understood the investigation relates to an incident that occurred over two years ago but beyond that it would not be appropriate for us to comment.”

The school said it was informed of the hearing earlier this week.

The statement added: “We shall be monitoring developments and considering our response as we receive further information.”

The latest development comes amid a police investigation surrounding sex abuse claims made by pupils.

A tribunal earlier found that one vulnerable youngster had suffered “appalling abuse” at the hands of another student, while the school was slammed by panel members for being “unsystematic, unprofessional, ad hoc and completely inadequate” when it came to protecting the youngster.

Police are examining if criminal offences have been committed.

The school has announced it will be taken over by another school in December after a drop in pupil numbers led to financial concerns.