A doctor was allegedly racially abused while working on the A&E ward at West Suffolk Hospital on Friday night.

St Edmundsbury Police tweeted in the early hours of the morning to say that the member of hospital staff was left “distraught” after being told to “go home” while on shift.

A woman has since been arrested and remains in custody following the incident.

Reportedly the doctor was working on the A&E ward at the hospital when the incident happened.

The tweet read: “No excuses....EVER To racially abuse NHS staff in ANY setting.

“Tonight an A&E doctor doing his work saving lives & helping people has been told to “go back home”.

“That is why the female suspect is now in #custody with us.”

The police also tagged West Suffolk Hospital CEO Steve Dunn who later thanked the officers involved.

He said: “Thank you for taking action on this and supporting our staff. We must not tolerate racism.

“We so appreciate the supportive and collaborative working relationship we have with you.”