Man held after five people attacked in Newton-Le-Willows hospital

A man has been arrested after five people were gunned down at a hospital, police said.

The injured, none of whom were thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries, were treated by paramedics at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens, following the attack with what may have been a crowbar shortly after 12:00 GMT.

Merseyside Police added that the suspect was believed to have gone to the hospital to make an appointment, but became “increasingly agitated” when this request was refused and he was asked to leave.

A 20-year-old man, who police said was originally from Afghanistan, was detained on five Section 18 charges relating to wounding, affray and criminal damage.

Police said the suspect was reported to have damaged a counter before attacking people inside the hospital.

Sugedaran Shanmugaraja, who works at the Best One store opposite the hospital, said an injured woman fled the scene before coming to his store.

He said the woman, whose head was bleeding, asked him to call the police.

“I gave him my phone to call. I could see blood and he said someone was attacking everyone,” he said.

Mr Shanmugaraja said 10 or 15 police cars soon arrived at the scene and nurses arrived at the shop to treat the injured woman.

Hannah West, who lives opposite the hospital, told the BBC she saw hospital staff and injured people being evacuated.

He also said he saw a man being arrested.

“I was very surprised that something like this happened in Newton,” he said.

“When I heard sirens constantly, I looked out my window and saw some victims coming out. [a man] He is put into the riot van.

“Hospital staff were being evacuated; they looked really stressed but it was obvious they were trying to help people.

“A woman was strapped into a wheelchair and was being taken to the ambulance.

“The other woman came out before the man was arrested and was dealt with in the Best One parking lot.”

Seve Gomez-Aspron, who represents the Newton-le-Willows ward on St Helens Council, said his father, who lives close to the hospital, heard someone was attacking staff and damaging the reception area.

He said he rushed to the hospital and got there within minutes.

“From receipt of the call to arrival, a major emergency response was undertaken to deal with the incident.

“I can only thank Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service for such a quick and effective response when we were faced with a scenario where the danger was unknown.

“This is a shock, but as always we need to wait for all the facts without speculating.”

Supt Sarah Rotherham said: “We were called to reports of a man behaving aggressively and attacking several people in hospital.

“Officers immediately intervened and the male was quickly located and arrested. Paramedics arrived at the hospital and provided first aid to the injured.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.