Hospital in lockdown after man, 20, injures five in crowbar attack

Five people were assaulted at a hospital after a patient was refused an appointment and launched a crowbar attack on staff.

Officers were called to Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, after a man had become increasingly agitated after asking for an appointment at midday on Tuesday.

It is understood that the man’s request was denied and he was asked to leave, which is when he became angered and damaged a counter before assaulting several people with a weapon – thought to be a crowbar.

Those injured are currently being treated by paramedics, with none of the injuries thought to be life-threatening.

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.’

According to the police, the man, originally from Afghanistan, was swiftly detained by officers at the scene.

He has since been arrested on suspicion of five counts of Section 18 wounding, affray and criminal damage.

The suspect was taken to a police station in Merseyside and remains in custody.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area while enquiries at the scene are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Merseyside Police.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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