The GP who was suspended after a jury cleared him of murdering three patients with morphine overdoses says he is "appalled" that he can no longer work.

Dr Howard Martin, 71, who faces an inquiry into 12 other deaths, criticised the "frightening away" of other doctors from giving painkillers. Relatives of the patients involved in the case, which ended earlier this month, described the comments as "insensitive".

Paul Gittins, 45, of Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, whose father died after receiving morphine from Dr Martin, said: "He should never be allowed to return to work."