Nurse attacked at Newton Community Hospital, police say

Police say a man attacked staff at Newton Community Hospital with a metal bar, injuring six people including a nurse; the suspect, a 20-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and enquiries are ongoing.

Police say a man attacked staff at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows around midday, prompting an immediate police response. The incident is reported to have involved a metal bar and resulted in several people being treated for injuries. One nurse sought treatment at Whiston A&E and later said she was home with her family. The suspect was arrested at the scene and has been detained under the Mental Health Act. Known details: - The incident occurred at about 12:00 at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside. - Police report a total of six people required treatment at hospitals or walk-in centres; reported injuries included head lacerations, injuries to arms and hands, and bruising, and those treated were described as being in a stable condition. - The suspect, a 20-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, was arrested at the scene and detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. - Officers recovered the weapon for forensic examination, are reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses, and a police scene remains in place while enquiries continue. Summary: Multiple staff and patients were treated after the reported attack, and police increased their presence at the site with a mobile station on location. Enquiries are ongoing, with CCTV and witness accounts being examined; the suspect remains detained under the Mental Health Act. Further legal or procedural steps were not specified.