A DOCTOR who ran clinics for children in Colchester has admitted molesting young patients.

Dr Myles Bradbury, who was based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but ran four clinics a year in Colchester, admitted seven counts of sexual assault and 12 of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Police have warned the paediatric haematologist is likely to have assaulted many more young boys who have not yet come forward.

Cambridge Crown Court heard he carried out examinations on children "purely for his own sexual gratification" and with no medical justification.

The 41-year-old last worked in Colchester in August 2013 and was removed from all medical roles soon after.

Bradbury also admitted three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of voyeurism and two counts of making indecent images of a child.

Police said more than 16,000 indecent images of children were found on a disc in his home.

A helpline has been set up for anyone with concerns after the secret life of the paedophile paediatrician whose sex crimes were finally admitted on Monday.

Dr Keith McNeil, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said he is sickened by what has been discovered.

He said: “It is hard to put into words just how saddened we are that this situation has occurred, and our most abject and sincere apologies go out to any and all of our patients and their families who are affected by this in any way.

"As chief executive of the trust, I am so deeply sorry these incidents have happened and I am also deeply saddened, as a doctor, that one of my own profession has placed himself and his patients in this position.

“There is a very ancient and sacred trust that exists between a doctor and his patients and, quite frankly, it sickens me to think that trust has been breached."

His offences involved 18 victims aged from eight to 17, and were carried out between 2009 and last year.

His abuse came to light after a victim spoke to his parents about what had happened and Bradbury was suspended by the NHS last November before being arrested the following month.

Bradbury pleaded not guilty to two counts which Judge Gareth Hawkesworth said will probably remain on file.

He was bailed to be sentenced at a later date.

On leaving court Bradbury, from Herringswell, Suffolk, refused to answer questions just muttering “I’m so sorry”.

Bradbury ran quarterly outreach clinics at Colchester General Hospital.

Anyone with concerns can call the helpline set up by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust on 0800 389 8625.