Manager 'used NHS cash to fund horse stud'

A FORMER manager at a top London hospital is being investigated over the alleged use of NHS funds to import horse sperm "disguised" as human semen.

Louise Tomkins, the daughter of the late Sir Edward Tomkins, a former British ambassador to France, allegedly wanted the sperm to breed top-class mares.

She has been arrested by Scotland Yard detectives after being sacked by Imperial College NHS.

The trust has refused to comment. Ms Tomkin runs a stud in Sussex. The NHS fraud team was alerted after internal audits showed several thousands of pounds worth of human semen had been bought from overseas suppliers. But investigators discovered the semen was not human but from thoroughbred horses.

A Met spokeswoman said: "Officers are investigating allegations of fraud involving Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust. A 45-year-old woman has been arrested and bailed."

She added: "There is no suggestion the horse sperm has been used in infertility treatment."