LAWYERS have decided not to prosecute a Skipton doctor who was at the centre of a probe into the death of a female patient.

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced it will not prosecute Dr Thomas White, a GP at the town's Fisher Medical Centre.

Dr White, a 47 year-old father of two sons, was arrested and questioned in January in relation to the death of a 22-year-old patient last year.

The Herald can confirm that the dead woman was not involved in any illegal drug taking, contrary to other newspaper reports.

Police have been investigating the case for the past four months.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A full investigation has been concluded and a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"A decision has been taken not to prosecute and as a result there will be no criminal proceedings.

"The matter is now being referred back to the coroner and an inquest will be held in due course."

The family of the dead woman were aware of the decision and did not wish to comment, he added.

Dr White has not worked at the Fisher Medical Centre, where his wife is also a doctor, since his arrest.

A spokesman for the doctor said: "North Yorkshire Police have confirmed that Dr White's assistance has enabled them to conclude that he will not be charged with any offence.

"Dr White would again like to extend his heartfelt sympathies to the patient's family at this difficult time."

He added that no decision had been made as to whether Dr White would return to work at Fisher Medical Centre.