A British hospital staff member has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a patient in Norfolk. James May, 76, from Great Yarmouth, died at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston on September 20th.

The hospital reported an allegation of medical malpractice in connection with his death to police ten days later.

A Norfolk Constabulary spokesman said "This morning a member of the hospital's medical staff, a middle-aged man, was arrested by officers on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody at this time."

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Durham, leading the inquiry, said "We are investigating an allegation that a drugs overdose was administered to a patient, leading to his death".

"A...post-mortem, carried out earlier this week, determined the cause of Mr. May's death as heart failure and we now await the results of further toxicology tests which will help inform our inquiry We understand that this news may generate concern and it's important for us to underline that our investigation, which is still at an early stage, is based on a single report of an isolated incident and that the hospital trust is co-operating fully with the investigation. " he added.

He said Mr. May's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by Police Family Liaison Officers.

Chief Executive of the James Paget University Hospitals Christine Allen said "Our priority is patient safety and we understand that this news will cause concern. At this time, we believe it is an isolated incident and relates to the alleged action of a single member of staff".