A man arrested after six people were attacked at a hospital has been further detained under the Mental Health Act. The incident occurred at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows on December 30, when a man reportedly attacked several people with a metal bar.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the 20-year-old, who lives in Newton-le-Willows but is originally from Afghanistan, has been detained under section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Toole said the detention authorises compulsory treatment in hospital for up to six months while he is reviewed, preventing him from leaving the facility unaccompanied.
The suspect allegedly entered the GP practice at the hospital to request an appointment but was told he could not book in as he was not registered. He is said to have then smashed a counter with the metal bar before targeting people inside, with both staff and patients injured.
Nurse Meg Lynch described the attack in a public Facebook post, saying she was getting a drink from a vending machine when she was struck. She wrote: "After a few blows to the head, I ran, I hid and did what I could do, to get a door between me and him."
A local shop worker at Best One, opposite the hospital, said a woman ran in asking for help and to call police. Sugedaran Shanmugaraja said: "She had a lot of blood at the back of her head and on her shoulder. She was shaking and upset." He added that he passed her his phone and she called police, with emergency services arriving shortly after.
Detective Chief Inspector Toole asked the public not to post speculation online and said officers would be informed of any developments regarding the man's detention. She added: "I hope the public feel reassured by this review."
