Spain holds wanted French surgeon

Dr Maure operated on patients illegally, investigators say

A French cosmetic surgeon accused of having mutilated or endangered the lives of dozens of patients has been arrested in Spain.

Michel Maure had gone missing after standing trial in Marseille in June, accused of false advertising, deception and causing involuntary injury.

He was arrested in Rosas, north-eastern Spain, on Tuesday. An international arrest warrant had been issued for him.

Prosecutors called for four years' jail and a 75,000-euro (£59,000) fine.

He was struck off the French medical register in January 2007 after numerous complaints about his procedures. He had practised illegally since 1995, investigators say.

There were 96 complaints from former patients against Dr Maure, 59, including allegations that he had carried out painful procedures under local anaesthetic, in a dirty clinic.

He had claimed to be "one of the best plastic surgeons in the world".

The verdict was planned for September and he was subject to a French court order restricting his movements. He had been told to report to police every week. He now faces extradition from Spain.