Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital was forced to "shut down" after an incident involving a prisoner.

Police were called to the minor injuries unit yesterday after allegations that a teenage boy from prison had committed an assault whist visiting the hospital for an appointment.

A police spokesman said: "Kent police were called at 4.47pm on Tuesday to a report of a disturbance at Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital.

"It was alleged that a teenage boy who had been taken for an appointment at the hospital, from prison, had committed an assault.

"Officers attended and helped to detain the boy, who has since been returned to prison.

"Enquiries into the reported assault are ongoing."

A hospital spokeswoman said: "The hospital had to close for two hours after an incident in the minor injuries unit which led to the police being called.

"Everyone was fine and the hospital was then reopened."