A war veteran who went to Specsavers for an eye test was told he had "invaded countries around the world and killed innocent people” by the optician, as the company says she has been suspended.

Steve Leale, 54, asked for his medical notes to specifically state he was a veteran in order to get a faster hospital appointment under an NHS service leavers' provision.

But the former Warrant Officer Class 2 claimed he was left "gobsmacked" and "totally disgusted" when the staff member made the slur about his Army service.

The incident allegedly happened on February 15 in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

On being told he was to be referred to hospital, he asked for his paperwork to state he was a veteran. The optician expressed surprise that he could access more expeditious care and allegedly said: “what, for invading countries around the world and killing innocent people?”

Mr Leale, a member of the Royal Hampshire Regiment and Adjutant General’s Corps who has served in Iraq, Northern Ireland and the Balkans, says he was “dumbfounded by the comment” and complained. He said the experience had left his wife fearing reprisals and "scared to go out alone".

"I am very proud to have served my country for over 32 years. I did my duty on behalf of all British citizens no matter what ethnicity, background or belief,” he said.