A news reporter has been suspended from her job after she was caught on security camera launching an abusive tirade at a towing company clerk.

Britt McHenry, a 28-year-old sports correspondent for ESPN, was filmed attacking a woman for her looks, weight, career and education.

She said I'm in the news, sweetheart, I will sue this place. That's why I have a degree and you don't. I wouldn't work in a scumbag place like this" and "it makes my skin crawl even being here."

She finished her rant with "lose some weight, baby girl" before storming off.

Ma McHenry's car had been towed from the carpark of a Chinese restaurant earlier this month.

She has since apologised on Twitter, saying: "In an intense and stressful moment, I allowed my emotions to get the best of me and said some insulting and regrettable things. As frustrated as I was, I should always choose to be respectful and take the high road. I am so sorry for my actions and will learn from this mistake."