Stephen Hawking 'assault' probe to last several weeks

An investigation into allegations that disabled physicist Stephen Hawking has been assaulted or physically abused is likely to go on for several weeks, police sources said today.

An investigation into allegations that disabled physicist Stephen Hawking has been assaulted or physically abused is likely to go on for several weeks, UK police sources said today.

British officers are aiming to speak to as many people as they can who are close to Professor Hawking, or who have been involved in caring for him.

The professor, a best-selling author of books on science and astronomy, has suffered from motor neurone disease for more than 40 years.

Sources say UK police are making arrangements to speak to a nurse who they think can help them with their inquiries.

Professor Hawking, 62, who lives in Cambridge and is a mathematics professor at Cambridge University, is currently being treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, for pneumonia.

Earlier this week he issued a statement insisting the allegations were false and objecting to his “privacy being invaded“.

UK police say they hope to interview Professor Hawking – who uses a wheelchair and who speaks with the aid of computerised voice device – and his wife Elaine, 53.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Police would only say: “The investigation is continuing and we would like to speak to Professor Hawking when he is out of hospital in an attempt to clear the matter up once and for all.”

UK police have not said where the original allegations came from although it is understood that concerns have been raised by nurses caring for the scientist.

Similar allegations emerged three years ago. UK police investigated but no charges were bought.