GP arrested over assault claims

Thousands of patients in County Durham are receiving letters after a family doctor was arrested on suspicion of indecently assaulting women and children.

Police were continuing to question 29-year-old Dr Syed Amjad Husain over the alleged assaults against five female patients at his surgery in Darlington.

The allegations centre around three girls, a woman in her 30s and another in her 70s.

More than 6,000 patients of Orchard Court Surgery were being contacted by Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) to inform them about the police investigation.

A telephone helpline has been set up for anyone who has concerns about the treatment they have received.

Dr Husain was suspended by the PCT in early August and other NHS organisations have been informed about the investigation.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "A 29-year-old man has been arrested by detectives and is currently being held at Durham City police station.

Patient confidence

"He is being questioned in relation to allegations of indecent assault."

Colin Morris, chief executive of Darlington PCT, apologised to patients for the distress the investigation has caused.

Senior partner at the surgery, Dr Steve Charlton, said staff "deeply regretted" any upset caused to patients.

He said: "We are pulling together to restore patient confidence and deliver the health services our practice population needs."

A statement on the trust's website said: "Dr. Amjad Husain, who is a doctor at Orchard Court Surgery, Darlington has been suspended and is currently subject to a police investigation.

"We are advised by the police that an allegation of indecent assault has been made by a patient.

"We felt it was important to inform patients about this issue so that anyone who may have any concerns or questions knows how to contact us.

"We have set up a helpline staffed by trained professionals.

"We are doing all we can to... ensure the least possible disruption to services."

The hotline number for anyone with concerns is 0845 6008676.