- Were you at Newton Community Hospital? Email: edward.holt@dailymail.co.uk
An Afghan national has been arrested after allegedly attacking five people with a crowbar in a hospital waiting room while demanding an appointment.
Merseyside Police scrambled to Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, just after midday.
The harrowing incident started when a man, who is originally from Afghanistan, arrived at the hospital to request an appointment.
When his demand was denied he became increasingly agitated and attacked several people with a weapon – believed to be a crowbar.
Paramedics tended to the victims whose injuries are reportedly not life threatening.
The 20-year-old Afghan has been arrested on suspicion of five counts of wounding with intent, affray and criminal damage.
He has been taken to a local police station and remains in custody.
A large police presence remains at the scene and members of the public have been advised to avoid the area.
Merseyside Police scrambled to Newton Community Hospital (pictured) in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, this afternoon. A man, who is originally from Afghanistan, has been arrested on suspicion of five counts of wounding with intent, affray and criminal damage
Merseyside Police outside the hospital. A large police presence remains at the scene and members of the public have been advised to avoid the area
St Helens Neighbourhood Superintendent Sarah Rotherham said: ‘We were called to reports of a man behaving aggressively at the hospital who had assaulted a number of people.
‘Officers attended immediately and the male was swiftly located and arrested.
‘Paramedics attended at the hospital and carried out first aid to those who had been injured.’
‘I would like to take this opportunity for anyone who witnessed this incident at the hospital to contact us with any information.’
In a statement Merseyside Police said: ‘We have arrested a 20-year-old man after reports five people were assaulted at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows this afternoon.
‘Just after 12pm we received a report that a man attended the hospital to request an appointment.
‘At this stage it is believed that his request was declined and when he was asked to leave he became increasingly agitated and damaged a counter before assaulting several people inside the hospital, with a weapon (possibly a crowbar).
Police by the police corden outside Newton Community Hospital. Paramedics tended to the victims whose injuries are reportedly not life threatening
Officers rushed to the scene following reports a man had attacked several people with a weapon – believed to be a crowbar
The commotion at the Merseyside hospital started after an Afghan national was refused his demand for a hospital appointment
‘Those who were injured are currently being treated by paramedics at the hospital for injuries, which are not life-threatening.’
‘Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook quoting reference 25001060801. You can also report information via our website or call 101.’
‘Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
