Six injured in ‘shock’ hospital attack after assault by man with metal bar

Six people required treatment for injuries including head injuries in an alleged attack by a man wielding a metal bar after he was refused a hospital appointment, police said.

A man was detained under the Mental Health Act following his arrest on Tuesday at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, where the incident occurred, according to a Merseyside Police spokesman.

Officers were called to the hospital shortly after noon after reports of a man becoming “increasingly agitated” after his request for an appointment was rejected.

He reportedly vandalized a stall before attacking several people, believed to be staff.

A force spokesman said six people required treatment in hospital and surgeries for injuries including head lacerations, lacerations and bruising to their arms and hands.

Police said they were all in stable condition.

A 20-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows, originally from Afghanistan, was arrested on suspicion of six counts of wounding, affray and criminal damage.

A force spokesman said he was taken to a police station in Merseyside and later detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

Police said the metal rod used during the incident was seized for forensic analysis.

Newton-le-Willows ward Councilor Seve Gomez-Aspron said his father, who lives next door to the hospital, heard someone was attacking staff and damaging the reception area.

He said: “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.”

On Wednesday, police said a crime scene remained on site at the community hospital and a mobile police station was in the area.

Inspector Sarah Rotherham said: “We understand this incident may have caused concern in the local community and I hope the public are reassured by the increased police presence.

“I would urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station.”