AN EMINENT expert in children's brain disorders who lives in Baildon and is at the centre of an alleged cocaine scandal has been described as a "good guy" by a family source.

Secret film footage apparently shows Dr Colin Ferrie, a consultant paediatric neurologist at Leeds General Infirmary, snorting cocaine and then taking illegal drug GHB shortly before going on duty at Leeds General Infirmary.

The revelations in a national newspaper also contain video footage, allegedly showing Dr Ferrie, 51, talking openly about taking illegal drugs including crystal meth.

Married with a teenage daughter, Dr Ferrie and his wife Elaine, a nurse, live in an upmarket cul-de-sac of detached modern homes near Baildon rugby club.

As well as his NHS work, the couple also run a company called 'Dr Colin Ferrie Ltd' which is registered to their home address and of which his wife is a director.

Originally from Scotland but based at LGI for 18 years, he is one of Britain's foremost experts on childhood epilepsy and has a world-wide reputation.

Last night, a source close to the family said the newspaper claims had "rocked" the family, but they were unable to make any comment due to an internal investigation by Dr Ferrie's employer Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

"This has rocked their world and they believe it was a set up.

"They have been bombarded by the press and can't speak out about it at all.

"He is a very eminent man who does work all over the world, but he is controlled by the Trust," the friend explained.

"He has not been suspended, just told not to come into work.

"Colin is a very private man and a good guy. Everyone is very supportive and they now have to wait for events to run their course."

A spokesman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “The Trust takes these allegations extremely seriously and will be carrying out a thorough investigation.

“We can confirm that Dr Ferrie is not currently undertaking any clinical duties.

“We would like to take this opportunity to reassure people that patient safety is our main priority. All members of staff are expected to behave in a professional and appropriate manner at all times.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "West Yorkshire Police is aware of an article in a national Sunday newspaper about a member of staff at Leeds General Infirmary and is making further enquiries."