Newton hospital attack suspect detained under Mental Health Act

A man arrested after a crow-bar attack at a Merseyside hospital has since been detained under the Mental Health Act, police said.

Six people were injured after a man burst into Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows and assaulted six staff and patients.

The 20-year-old suspect, who police said lived locally and was originally from Afghanistan, was initially arrested at the scene on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, affray and criminal damage.

Merseyside Police said all the victims were treated in hospitals and walk-in centres for injuries including head lacerations, injuries to their hands and arms and bruising.

They were all reported to be in a stable condition.

The weapon used in the attack was being forensically examined and detectives were in the process of reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.

The attacker was believed to have requested an appointment at the hospital but became “increasingly agitated” when this was declined and he was asked to leave.

He damaged a counter before striking people shortly after 12:00 GMT, police said.

Sugedaran Shanmugaraja, who was working in the Best One shop across the road from the hospital, said an injured woman fled the scene before coming into his store.

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

“I gave her my phone to call. I could see blood and she said somebody was attacking everybody,” he said.

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

Hannah West, who lives across the road from the hospital, told the BBC she saw members of staff and injured people being evacuated.

She said: “I looked out my window when I heard constant sirens and saw some victims coming out and [a man] getting put in the riot van.

“Hospital staff were being evacuated – they looked really stressed, but you could tell they were trying to help people.

“One woman was wrapped up and in a wheelchair being wheeled to an ambulance.”

Supt Sarah Rotherham said: “We understand that this incident would have caused concern for the local community and I hope the public feel reassured by the increased police presence.

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

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said it was “working closely with Merseyside Police”.