A paediatric doctor has appeared in court accused of sexual offences against cancer sufferers aged as young as 11.

Dr Myles Bradbury faces four counts of sexual assault and four counts of engaging in, or inciting a boy to engage in, sexual activity.

The 41-year-old, of Herringswell, Suffolk, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates' Court today.

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Bradbury, a paediatric haematologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, is alleged to have carried out the offences between December 2011 and December 2013.

The counts relate to boys aged between 11 and 15.

Prosecutor Delia Matthews said: “The allegation is an abuse of trust in that he was the doctor of these children - boys as young as 11 who were cancer sufferers in his care.”

He also faces two charges of making indecent images of a child and one count of voyeurism, in which it is alleged he secretly filmed somebody engaging in a sex act.

Bradbury spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He did not indicate any likely plea and was bailed to appear before Cambridge Crown Court on 11 July.

He left the court building via a rear entrance.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Addenbrooke's Hospital, has set up a helpline to be used “if parents, patients or former patients have any concerns”.

A trust spokesman said: “The news that Dr Myles Bradbury, formerly of CUH (Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust), has been charged with offences against children will be distressing for many patients, their families and staff.

"Our main priority at CUH is the safety of our patients.

“As soon as concerns were raised nine months ago, Dr Myles Bradbury was excluded from working at the trust and is no longer employed here.

"Since then we have worked closely with Cambridgeshire Police and partners, including the NSPCC, to make sure that individuals are contacted and support is offered throughout this difficult time."

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Additional reporting by Press Association