Search icon

News

06th Feb 2025

Teenage boy arrested for ‘impersonating a doctor’ at UK hospital

Zoe Hodges

He was given ‘words of advice’

A 13-year-old boy who impersonated a doctor at a hospital by wearing scrubs and carrying ID has been arrested.

Police were called to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon on Sunday morning.

The boy was initially arrested before being released with ‘words of advice’.

It was not confirmed which part of the hospital he was in, or whether he had access to patients or medical records.

Ina statement Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called at around 10.30am on Sunday 19 January by Derriford Hospital security following reports from staff of a male impersonating a doctor at the hospital.

“Officers attended and arrested a 13-year-old boy. The boy was dearrested and the matter has since been dealt with by way of words of advice and intervention/education work from the Child Centred Policing Team.

“No further police action will follow regarding this incident.”

Police did not confirm what the young boy’s motives were or how he came to obtain the ID.