A Scottish doctor has been suspended by the General Medical Council (GMC) after being pictured allegedly snorting cocaine before work.

Paediatric neurologist Colin Ferrie, who worked in England, will not be allowed to practise anywhere in the UK until allegations against him are investigated.

His suspension comes after photographs showing him apparently sniffing drugs were published in a tabloid newspaper earlier this month.

The 51-year-old was said to have been abusing cocaine just an hour before going on call at Leeds General Infirmary in Yorkshire, where he treats children suffering from conditions like epilepsy.

Dr Ferrie had already been suspended from working at the hospital by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The GMC's Interim Orders Council or IOP took the decision to suspend him pending the outcome of a full investigation.

A GMC spokesman said: "The IOP acts to protect the public, where it is in the public's interest or the doctor's own interests.

"It means he can't practise as a doctor until the investigation is completed."

A GMC inquiry will have to wait until the outcome of a separate investigation launched by West Yorkshire Police.

Dr Ferrie's employers at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust said: "We take any allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will be carrying out a thorough investigation.

"We would like to take this opportunity to reassure people that patient safety is our main priority and we expect all members of staff to behave in a professional and appropriate manner at all times."

Dr Ferrie was first registered by the GMC in 1987 and has been listed as a neurology specialist since 1996, according to the watchdog's website. The trusts website lists him as a consultant paediatric neurologist specialising in childhood epilepsy.