A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who raped a patient and sexually assaulted two others has been jailed.

Hongbin Liu, 53, was working at the Chinese Traditional Medical Centre in Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, when he raped and assaulted a woman in her 40s during an acupuncture and massage consultation.

Following the attack, which happened in February last year, she went to police.

Liu, of Vauxhall Bridge Road, admitted one count of rape, one of assault by penetration, and two of sexual assault.

He was jailed for seven years.

The month after the attack, two women reported further sex assaults at the Shu Jun Healthcare Centre in Wells Street, Westminster.

One of the victims thought that whilst giving her a massage, Liu took a picture of her with his phone.

Officers were unable to recover the photographs, however.

Det Const Jane Tunnicliff, from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “This is a man who betrayed the patient-doctor relationship.

“Dr Liu prayed on the vulnerabilities of his patients. It is important that each and every one of us feel safe to seek treatment when we are ill or in pain.

“As police officers we strive to make our community safer for everyone - even behind closed doors.”

Det Insp Lee Davison, said: “People who abuse their position of trust damage the fabric of our society and the impact of their actions on their victims can be great.

“We will pursue all such offenders to bring them to justice.

“I would encourage anyone who has suffered at the hand of another to report the matter to the police in the knowledge that they will be believed and supported.”