A Southend GP has appeared in court charged with 118 sexual offences, including sexually assaulting a girl under 13.

Dr Manish Shah, 47, is a partner at the North Avenue Surgery, in North Avenue, Southend, where he specialised in family planning.

Shah appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court where he indicated he will deny claims that he assaulted 54 different victims at his surgery in Romford between 2004 and 2013.

An investigation was launched into the doctor after several people went to police in July and August 2013.

He faces 65 counts of assault by penetration, 52 counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault of a girl under 13.

Judge Richard Hawgood granted him bail ahead of his plea and case management hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 27.

Shah, of Brunel Close, Romford, is suspended from practising as a doctor by the General Medical Council.

Judge Hawgood said: "I hear what your indication is. These are matters that can only be dealt with in the crown court, or they are matters that are linked to matters that can only be heard at crown court."

Shah was granted bail on the condition he does not attend his former surgery, does not contact any current or former patient of the surgery or any of its past or current employees.

He was also barred from practising as a doctor and from accessing any NHS medical records.