UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A 20-year-old man attacked staff and patients at Newton-le-Willows Hospital, injuring six, with the suspect is now in custody under the Mental Health Act.
As reported by Jonny Humphries of the BBC, a man is in custody under the Mental Health Act after a crowbar attack at a Merseyside hospital on Tuesday, 30 December.
What happened at Newton-le-Willows hospital?
A man attacked hospital staff and patients shortly after 12:00 GMT on Tuesday at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens, injuring six people.
Authorities said the 20-year-old suspect, who lived locally and was originally from Afghanistan, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious harm, affray, and criminal damage.
According to Merseyside Police, the victims were treated in hospitals and walk-in centres for injuries including head cuts, bruising, and wounds to their hands and arms. All were reported to be in stable condition.
Forensic experts said the weapon used in the attack was being examined, while detectives reviewed CCTV footage and spoke to witnesses.
The attacker reportedly demanded a hospital appointment but became “increasingly agitated” when it was denied, and he was asked to leave.
Police stated that he caused damage to a counter before striking individuals.
Speaking from his shop opposite the hospital, Sugedaran Shanmugaraja said an injured woman ran from the scene before entering his store.
According to him, the woman with a head injury requested him to contact the police.
He said,
“I gave her my phone to call. I could see blood and she said somebody was attacking everybody.”
The shopkeeper said that nearly 10 to 15 police cars soon arrived, and nurses came into the shop to treat the injured woman.
A second witness, Hannah West, who lives across from the hospital, said she observed staff and wounded individuals being moved to safety.
She said,
“I looked out my window when I heard constant sirens and saw some victims coming out and [a man] getting put in the riot van. Hospital staff were being evacuated – they looked really stressed, but you could tell they were trying to help people.”
West added,
“One woman was wrapped up and in a wheelchair being wheeled to an ambulance.”
Superintendent Sarah Rotherham said,
“We understand that this incident would have caused concern for the local community and I hope the public feel reassured by the increased police presence.”
She continued,
“I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station.”
The NHS Trust covering Mersey and West Lancashire said it is collaborating closely with Merseyside Police.
They posted on their website, adding,
“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.”
What is the Mental Health Act?
The Mental Health Act allows authorities to detain someone against their will. Health professionals, including an approved mental health professional and two doctors, must believe the person has a “mental disorder.”
The law protects those who are detained. They have the right to appeal, receive support from an independent mental health advocate, and have their treatment reviewed.
In 2024, there were 4,054 incidents of violence against nurses in A&E units in England, nearly double the number reported in 2019. Across the NHS, 14.38% of staff reported suffering physical violence that year.