A COLNE GP has been arrested and released on police bail following allegations of financial irregularities surrounding his practice.

Dr Shiv Prasad Dey, who runs a single practice in Burnley Road, Colne, was arrested yesterday after a complaint from the East Lancashire Health Authority.

The 46-year-old GP was questioned by police who today said he had been released on bail until September 24 pending further inquiries.

Police say provision has been made for a locum to cover the practice in the GP's absence and the running of the surgery should not be unduly affected. Yesterday a receptionist at the surgery said Dr Dey was "on leave".

"We don't know when he will be back," she added.

Today, a receptionist said a locum was covering the surgery.

East Lancashire Health Authority declined to comment on the matter and referred inquiries to Lancashire police headquarters at Hutton.

Dr Dey joined the practice, run for many years by Dr G.M. Bhat, about five years ago.

He took over when Dr Bhat retired on health grounds.

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