UK police have arrested a 20-year-old Afghan national who attacked five people in a hospital with a crowbar after being refused an appointment.
According to police, the incident occurred shortly after 12:00 GMT and the victims were treated at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens; None of them suffered any life-threatening injuries.
Police said the man became increasingly agitated when he was told to leave the premises. He damaged the counter before attacking people inside the hospital.
The suspect, whose name has not yet been released by authorities, was arrested on suspicion of five counts of Section 18 wounding, as well as affray and criminal damage.
A Best One store employee, who called police after a victim fled the scene bleeding and entered her store, said, “I gave her my phone to call. I could see blood and she said someone was attacking everyone.”
The victim received medical assistance and between 10 and 15 police cars responded to the scene and arrested the violent individual.
Neighbors in the area said they were shocked by the incident. One resident said: “I’m so shocked that something like this has happened in Newton.”
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust stated they were working closely with police regarding the incident, adding: “Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our staff, patients and visitors and we are providing full support to those affected.”
