A WOMAN claims she saw a hospital security guard grab a patient by the throat and punch him twice, following a confrontation.

The witness, who did not want to be named, said the attack took place in Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s A&E at around 4am on Friday..

ISS, a contractor that handles security at the hospital, said it never condones violence and confirmed that it was investigating the incident.

A witness told the Worcester News: “A security guard walked into the waiting area with a patient, who was wearing boxer shorts, with a towel wrapped around his shoulders.

“Within seconds there was a confrontation, with the guard using an aggressive tone towards the patient, telling him not to swear.

“Then as they stood at the entrance to the toilet the patient told the guard to [expletive] off.

“In response, the guard grabbed him by the throat and pushed him into the toilet.

“The guard gave him two full blown punches to the upper back area and then slammed the [toilet] door behind him.”

The witness, who was suffering from chest and shoulder pain, added that the guard said the patient had hit an old lady.

She claims she and her partner complained to staff about the alleged attack, however they seemed uninterested.

She said: “I won’t be returning to the hospital. I will travel wherever I need to go as I don’t feel safe there.”

The witness added that her partner told a policeman outside about the alleged assault, although West Mercia Police told the Worcester News that it could not find the incident on its system.

A spokesman for ISS said: “ISS provide the security services at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital and are aware of an alleged incident taking place in the early hours of Friday morning involving a member of our staff and a member of the public.

“At this stage we are gathering the facts, taking statements and viewing the available CCTV.

“The trust are being kept informed at all times. Once the full facts have been established a full investigation will be undertaken.

“ISS does not condone the use of violence for whatever reason and will continue to ensure that all the members of the local community can feel safe when visiting their local hospital.”