A Suffolk doctor has been cleared of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl during medical examinations at his surgery and at her home.

Imran Khan, 40, of Osprey Close, Bury St Edmunds, had denied seven offences of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 in 2011.

And this afternoon, at Ipswich Crown Court, a jury found him not guilty of all charges.

It had been alleged that Dr Khan asked the girl, who had asthma and complained of abdominal pains, to remove her bra before putting his hands on her breasts and moving them around in a circular motion and squeezing them during an examination.

Khan, who is married and has two children, had also allegedly touched her between the legs during a visit to her home.

However, colleagues and friends described him in court as “highly respected” and “incredibly professional”.

Twenty testimonials were read to a jury at Ipswich Crown Court in which Dr Imran Khan, who worked at the Forest Group Practice in Brandon was said to be a hard working GP who “went the extra mile for his patients.”

Providers of the testimonials said they had been shocked to hear the allegations that had been made against the doctor.

After the case, a statement was read on behalf of Dr Khan by Adam Smith, from Eastwoods solicitors. It said: “I have always vigorously denied these charges which are some of the most serious that any doctor can face.

“I am extremely pleased and relieved to have been completely cleared of all the charges by the jury today.

“The last 18 months or more have been a very difficult and stressful time for me and my family and I would like to thank all those who have supported me throughout including friends, family, colleagues and patients and my legal team provided by the Medical Defence Union.”