A man has been arrested following an assault on five individuals at a hospital in Newton-le-Willows. The incident unfolded at Newton Community Hospital around 12:00 GMT, where victims were reported to have sustained injuries from a potential crowbar attack.
Details of the Incident
The suspect, a 20-year-old male originally from Afghanistan, became increasingly agitated when his request for an appointment was declined. Authorities reported that he became confrontational and damaged property before launching the assaults. Merseyside Police confirmed that he was arrested on multiple charges, including five counts of wounding and criminal damage.
Eyewitness Accounts
One eyewitness, Sugedaran Shanmugaraja, who owns a shop near the hospital, described a chaotic scene. An injured woman entered his store, bleeding from her head and crying for help. He promptly called the police, and several squad cars arrived shortly after.
Another resident, Hannah West, witnessed the aftermath from her home. She recalled seeing hospital staff and patients being evacuated, as well as the arrest of the suspect. “I looked out my window and saw the emergency responders,” she stated, clearly shaken by the incident.
Emergency Response
The swift actions of law enforcement were praised by local officials. Seve Gomez-Aspron, a council member, noted the rapid response from police and ambulance services. He arrived shortly after being alerted of the situation and expressed gratitude for their efforts in managing the emergency.
Superintendent Sarah Rotherham addressed the media, confirming that officers responded promptly to reports of aggressive behavior. “The male was swiftly located and arrested. Paramedics are providing first aid to the injured,” she said.
Hospital’s Response
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust stated it was collaborating closely with Merseyside Police. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of staff and visitors. The Trust also assured individuals with upcoming appointments that updates would be communicated directly.
- Incident Location: Newton Community Hospital, Newton-le-Willows
- Time of Incident: Approximately 12:00 GMT
- Suspect Age: 20 years old
- Injuries: Non-life-threatening
- Witness Reports: Multiple eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and fear.
Merseyside Police are seeking additional witnesses to provide further information. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact them or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
