NORTH Yorkshire police are seeking further expert advice following their investigation into the case of disgraced gynaecologist Richard Neale.

Five months ago, the force said there was insufficient evidence to take action against the surgeon, who worked at The Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, after an independent medical expert reviewed five of the worst cases.

But now, police are seeking further advice after John Bacon, a former mayor of Northallerton, wrote to them claiming that the medical expert concerned had briefly worked with Neale.

But a force spokesman said today: "We are not reopening the inquiry. We have no reason to believe any of the findings were unsafe.

"We are satisfied that the expert had minimal contact with Dr Neale, and we are seeking further medical opinion in order to satisfy ourselves that the evidence was totally impartial."

Updated: 11:54 Tuesday, March 12, 2002