POLICE have dashed campaigners' hopes that a criminal investigation into struck-off surgeon Richard Neale could be re-opened.

Officers from the North Yorkshire force visited a former victim of the disgraced gynaecologist over claims that he used qualifications to which he was not entitled.

It led to speculation that police may be minded to re-open the investigation they halted in October 2001 for lack of a realistic prospect of conviction.

Police have confirmed that the woman, who lives near Bristol, was briefed by an officer already in the area on other inquiries.

But they have ruled out any prospect of a fresh criminal investigation and have also rebuffed a request for a meeting with North Yorkshire Chief Constable Della Cannings.

Ron Johnson, a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police, said: "A former patient did contact us about a prosecution in relation to false claims regarding employment.

"But the issues raised have already been dealt with by us and we have said time and time again that the police inquiry into Richard Neale is finished."

Graham Maloney, an advisor to the action and support group that represents about 300 of Neale's former patients, said: "The police not taking any action sends the wrong message to the public.

"It is deplorable that Richard Neale should be allowed to get away with what he did."

Neale, who worked at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshrie,was struck off the medical register in 2000 after the General Medical Council found him guilty of 34 out of 35 specimen charges of serious professional misconduct.

Read more about the Richard Neale scandal here.