A trainee gp has appeared in court charged with a string of sexual offences including possession of extreme animal pornography.

Dr Kamran Ali, 39, of Glendale Gardens, Leigh, denied counts including six counts of sexual assault.

He also denied one count of possession of child sex abuse images and one count of possession of extreme animal pornography involving a horse.

Ali, who appeared in the dock in a suit and tie, worked in Leigh before his arrest and spoke only to confirm his name and address and to enter his not guilty pleas.

Southend Magistrates court heard the sexual assault allegations have been made by former patients who claim Ali touched them inappropriately during examination.

Ali's licence to practise has been suspended while the criminal proceedings are conducted.

He was released on conditional bail until his next appearance at Basildon Crown Court on January 8.