AN auxiliary nurse has been suspended from a North-East hospital and a police investigation launched after a suspected attack on an elderly patient.

The assault on the 73-year-old man is alleged to have taken place on Ward 44 of Darlington Memorial Hospital - the same ward where elderly patients have complained of having hundreds of pounds stolen from their bedside lockers.

A 46-year-old female member of staff has been arrested on suspicion of assault. She has been bailed to return to Darlington police station next week. A police spokesman said inquiries were continuing.

The incident is said to have happened on June 25 when the pensioner, who is not being named by The Northern Echo, received injuries to his buttocks.

Detectives were told he had been kicked, kneed and nipped.

Linda Allen, chief officer of Darlington and Teesdale Community Health Council, said she was shocked at the allegation.

"It is not acceptable and one would hope that it is being investigated thoroughly. You would not expect an elderly patient to be assaulted by a member of staff."

She said she hoped the patient would contact the health council, which monitors NHS services.

The alleged attack on the pensioner was reported to police by Darlington Borough Council's social services department. A council spokesman said social services staff had been assessing the man in his home in Darlington and had kept in contact when he was admitted to the Memorial.

"We have an adult protection team and with any report like this we would hold a meeting with the police and the hospital. The course of action in this case was for the police and hospital to investigate."

Last month, The Northern Echo told how one woman, who has not been named, had £800 stolen from her bedside locker in Ward 44. Another patient, Doris Tomlin, 88, had £70 taken from her handbag. Police have not found the culprits.

Mrs Tomlin's son Christopher said last night: "There's something drastically wrong. I definitely have concerns. I'm wondering whether the ward management needs looking at."

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended following an incident at Darlington Memorial Hospital, while an investigation is carried out. This incident is not theft-related.