Afghan man arrested after 'crowbar' rampage at Merseyside hospital, leaving five injured

Merseyside Police said the man was believed to have attended the hospital to request an appointment but became "increasingly agitated" when his request was declined and he was asked to leave.

He was then said to have damaged a counter on the premises before assaulting several others inside the hospital.

Those who were injured are currently being treated by paramedics at the hospital for injuries, which are not believed 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."

A 20-year-old man, originally from Afghanistan, was arrested on suspicion of five counts of Section 18 wounding, affray and criminal damage.

The victims of the assault are being treated by paramedics at the hospital for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening, officers said.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked contact the Merseyside Police quoting reference number 25001060801.

Footage seen by GB News taken outside the hospital appeared to show a man being arrested and taken into a police van.

Labour councillor for Newton-le-Willows East Seve Gomez-Aspron told the Liverpool Echo: "At around 12.10pm I got a phone call from my dad, who lives next to the hospital, to say a family friend had run to his house to tell him that someone was attacking staff within the hospital and damaging the reception area.

"I live nearby, so I told him to call the police and I rushed to the hospital and so I got there within a few minutes.

"From receiving the call, to arriving, there had been a massive emergency response to deal with the incident.

"I can only thank Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service for such a swift and efficient response, running into a scenario where danger is unknown."

A spokesman from Mersey and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, which runs Newton Hospital, said: "We can confirm that an incident occurred at Newton Hospital today and the Trust is working closely with Merseyside Police as they conduct their investigations.

"Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our staff, patients, and visitors, and we are providing full support to those affected.

"If you have an appointment at Newton Hospital or are the next of kin of an inpatient, our team will contact you directly with any updates."