Merseyside Police have released a statement after the reported incident earlier today.
Several police cars present at Newton Community Hospital (Image: MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)
A man has been arrested by police following an incident at a hospital after five people were injured. The man in his 20s was detained at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, this afternoon, police confirmed. Merseyside Police said they received reports alleging that five people had been assaulted at the hospital
The man is believed to have attended the hospital just after 12pm to request an appointment. At this stage, it is understood that his request was turned down, and he was asked to leave the hospital after becoming increasingly agitated. He is then alleged to have damaged a counter before assaulting several people inside the hospital, with a weapon police said could possibly have been a crowbar. The injured people are being treated by paramedics at the hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening .
Police detained a man in his 20s. (Image: Getty)
Merseyside Police said a male, who is originally from Afghanistan, has been arrested on suspicion of five counts of Section 18 wounding, affray, and criminal damage. He has been taken to a police station in Merseyside and remains in custody.
The police force 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 (Tuesday 30 December).
“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).
“Those who were injured are currently being treated by paramedics at the hospital for injuries that are not life-threatening.”
Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron added on Facebook: “There has been an incident at Newton Hospital. Around 5 people have been injured.
“All of which are now OK and safe and are able to contact their families. Do not speculate on Facebook. The police have still cordoned off the scene, so avoid the area.
“I would like to put on record my thanks and appreciation for Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust for the fantastic job they do.”
