A district nurse has described being 'beaten nearly to death' with a crowbar during a violent rampage at an NHS hospital in Merseyside. The attack occurred at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows shortly after midday on Tuesday.
Merseyside Police said the suspect, a 20-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, arrived at the hospital requesting an appointment. He became 'increasingly agitated' when his request was denied and he was asked to leave, before allegedly damaging a counter and attacking multiple people.
Nurse Meg Lynch, who was off-duty at the time, said she was attacked from behind while getting a drink from a vending machine. '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,' she wrote on Facebook. She later attended Whiston A&E, where CT scans and X-rays came back clear, and she had her head 'sewn back together'.
Six people in total were injured in the incident, including staff and possibly patients. Injuries included head lacerations, arm and hand injuries, and bruising. All were treated at hospital or walk-in centres and are now in stable condition.
The suspect was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and taken to a police station. The crowbar used in the assault has been retained for forensic examination, and police are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.
