A DOCTOR at a high-profile medical centre is at the centre of allegations of drug misuse.

Dr Will Richardson was suspended after the claims on Monday.

Alan Hall, chief executive of Priority Health Care, Wearside, released an official statement yesterday saying: "We are aware of the reports and can confirm Dr Richardson has been suspended.

"The circumstances are being investigated. The Sunderland South Primary Care Group, the Priority Health Care and the local health authority are working together to deal with the situation."

Dr Richardson was employed by Pennywell Health Centre as Sunderland's first salaried GP after a government-backed pilot scheme to turn around the city's family doctor shortage.

His appointment was headlined as a pioneering way to beat GP deficits in inner city areas.

Dr Richardson and the Pennywell Neighbourhood Centre were under the spotlight last year after a visit by Prince Andrew.