A MAN has been arrested after a suspected thief dressed as a doctor was spotted in a ward at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

Hospital staff noticed a man wearing a stethoscope walking into patients’ rooms and searching their belongings at about 9.50am yesterday.

He was confronted by a member of staff, who recognised the man as a former patient.

Police were called but he had fled before officers arrived.

However, a 35-year-old man was taken into custody at the hospital at about 10am on suspicion of stealing a stethoscope, as well as an iPod from a patient. He was later released on bail until Tuesday, pending further inquiries.

A spokesman for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Security is something we take very seriously. Staff are trained in security and vigilance is an important part of this.

“In this case, a staff member recognised this man and was able to give details to the police.

“We’re pleased they were able to make an arrest so quickly.”