Five people injured as man arrested in incident at hospital

BREAKING

Police were called to Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows after a man became agitated after allegedly being refused his request for an appointment.

A statement from Merseyside Police read: "We have arrested a 20-year-old man after reports five people were assaulted at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows this afternoon/ Just after 12pm we received a report that a man attended the hospital to request an appointment.

"At this stage it is believed that his request was declined and when he was asked to leave he became increasingly agitated and damaged a counter before assaulting several people inside the hospital, with a weapon (possibly a crowbar).

"Those who were injured are currently being treated by paramedics at the hospital for injuries, which are not life-threatening."

"We were called to reports of a man behaving aggressively at the hospital who had assaulted a number of people," St Helens Neighbourhood Superintendent Sarah Rotherham said.

"Officers attended immediately and the male was swiftly located and arrested.

"Paramedics attended at the hospital and carried out first aid to those who had been injured.

"I would like to take this opportunity for anyone who witnessed this incident at the hospital to contact us."

Local councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron wrote on his Facebook page: "There has been an incident at Newton Hospital. Around 5 people have been injured.

"All of which are now OK and safe and are able to contact their families. Do not speculate on Facebook. The Police have still cordoned off the scene so avoid the area.

"I would like to put on record my thanks and appreciation for Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust for the fantastic job they do."