RETIRED York psychiatrist Michael Haslam is understood to have been arrested today by North Yorkshire Police.
The arrest is believed to follow a number of complaints from former patients of Dr Haslam, an ex-consultant at Clifton Hospital.
Dr Haslam, of Crayke, near Easingwold, is understood to have been taken to York police station for questioning.
A police spokesman said: "A 68 year old North Yorkshire man was arrested this morning in connection with allegations of sexual assault. He is being interviewed at York police station."
Dr Haslam is one of two former North Yorkshire psychiatrists at the centre of an independent inquiry set up last year by Health Secretary Alan Milburn.
The inquiry is intended to examine the way the NHS handled complaints against Dr Haslam and the other psychiatrist, William Kerr.
A preliminary meeting for former patients of the two doctors was held in York earlier this week.
Dr Haslam's solicitor was unavailable for comment, with a colleague saying he was attending an urgent matter at York Police Station.
Updated: 15:45 Thursday, September 05, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article