A leading British scientist is under attack after Who's Who listed his recreations as "daily avoidance of assorted professional beggars, alcoholics and deranged individuals in the streets of Cambridge".

Although Professor George Salmond puts comedy among his other interests, charities working with the homeless have failed to see the funny side.

Chris Homes, director of Shelter, says the professor's comments are a disgrace (0'21)

Who's Who, the annual guide to Britain's top people, says the entry was personally written by Professor Salmond, 45, a leading molecular microbiologist who has worked at Cambridge since 1996.

The editors of Who's Who thought the entry was suitable for publication.

But Ruth Wyner, director of the Cambridge homeless charity Wintercomfort, said: "I am absolutely horrified. I cannot believe Who's Who can print things like that. It does not sound like the comment of an intelligent person."

Chris Holmes, director of the charity Shelter, said the comments were "absolutely outrageous".

Simon McIntosh, head of housing needs at Cambridge City Council, said: "It is sad if people in this sort of position just perceive homelessness as being a problem without offering anything that might help."

The Government last year awarded Cambridge about £100,000 to help tackle the problem of homelessness.

Police said there had been problems with aggressive begging last year and the issue had been addressed.

Professor Salmond was said to be "in a meeting" then "at lunch" then "unavailable for the rest of the day" by staff at his department.

His other interests listed in the 1998 guide are driving sports cars, good wine and malt whisky.

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