A 63-year-old man from Liverpool arrested on suspicion of sexual assault at Whiston Hospital has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Merseyside Police were called to the hospital at around 3:55 p.m. on Friday, July 3, following an allegation of an assault.
Police Presence at Hospital
The Liverpool ECHO reported that police were "all over" a part of the hospital, and pictures taken around 3 p.m. showed a police van in the hospital car park. A spokesperson for Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust stated: “We are cooperating fully with Merseyside Police and as such it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this stage.”
Ongoing Investigation
The force confirmed today that inquiries into the incident are ongoing. A police spokesperson added: "If you have been a victim of a sexual offence or have concerns for someone you know, call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers. In an emergency, always call 999."
Support and Reporting Options
The spokesperson also provided information on anonymous reporting: "Alternatively, you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website. If you do not require immediate police assistance, then you can report rape and sexual assault anonymously via our website."
For children and young people suffering abuse, the NSPCC can be reached at 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk, and Childline at 0800 1111. Specialist support services are available free of charge, including Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside at 0151 558 1801 for Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral, and RASASC Cheshire and Merseyside at 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 for St Helens and Knowsley. Victim Care Merseyside also offers support.
