AN INVESTIGATION is being carried out by Kent detectives into claims that disgraced gynaecologist Rodney Ledward may have faked his own death to escape accusations of sexual assaults. Rodney Ledward, formerly of Saltwood, near Hythe, was reported to have died in October last year of cancer after moving to Ireland.

At that time, the 62-year-old incompetent surgeon, who was struck off for a large series of medical errors, was being investigated by police over dozens of accusations of sexual assaults on women at hospitals in Kent.

There have been alleged sightings of him in Hythe, Ireland and Spain. A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm we will be in touch with the authorities in Ireland to seek official confirmation Dr Ledward had died and we will be speaking to the coroner. It is not an investigation into sightings. We are aware that there are allegations that he has been seen."

The spokeswoman would not be drawn on claims that Dr Ledward's death certificate was signed by a mortuary assistant and not a doctor. The investigations will start in the New Year.

During his time in Kent, Dr Ledward practised at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, and at the private BUPA St Saviour's Hospital, Hythe.