A GYNAECOLOGIST at the centre of a police investigation yesterday vowed to clear his name after he was stripped of the right to pursue medical practices.

Dr Paul Vinall, who practises in both North and West Yorkshire, was arrested in July, over allegations of indecent assault involving a patient.

He was later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Following a meeting with West Yorkshire Police, the General Medical Council's Interim Orders Committee has imposed a blanket suspension from all medical practice on Dr Vinall.

He had earlier been suspended from his NHS work in Leeds, and by the Duchy Nuffield Hospital, in Harrogate, where he saw private patients.

The GMC's suspension order will last for 18 months, but will be reviewed after six months.

Dr Vinall is being represented by the Medical Protection Society (MPS). Last night, its spokesman insisted the GMC's suspension should not be construed as an indication of guilt.

"He is adamant that he has never examined any of his patients in an inappropriate manner, and denies absolutely any indecent actions," said the spokesman.

He said Dr Vinall had cooperated fully with the investigation.

"He has not been charged with any offence, and will continue to fight vigorously to defend his good name," he said.

The MPS spokesman said: "He has been heartened by the support that he has received from numerous patients and professional colleagues."

Scores of people are understood to have contacted a confidential hotline, set up by the NHS after Dr Vinall's arrest in the summer.

It is understood that some of those calls have been from patients offering their support to the 53-year-old gynaecologist.

The latest controversy follows two other scandals, involving gynaecologists, that have hit health services in North Yorkshire.

In July, former Northallerton consultant Dr Richard Neale was struck off for serious misconduct, after botching operations, operating without consent and lying to patients.

Earlier this month, his successor at the Friarage Hospital, Dr Neil Hebblethwaite, was sacked after having an affair with one of his patients.