GP euthanasia inquiry on hold

A health authority inquiry into the conduct of a GP who admitted helping patients to die was yesterday put on hold pending a police investigation.

Dr Dave Moor has already been questioned by officials at Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority and was invited to make a voluntary statement to Northumbria Police.

Yesterday the man heading the health authority inquiry said a decision had been taken to await the outcome of the police investigation.

Dr Ian Spencer, head of primary care development, said he could not discuss what stage the inquiry had reached, saying "it would not be appropriate to make any comment at the present time". He added that Dr Moor would be interviewed again and the inquiry was not over.

The Newcastle GP was invited to make a police statement after he admitted helping up to 150 patients to die during his 30-year career, including two in the past week. He was consulting the Medical Defence Union before deciding whether to agree to the request.