‘Afghan’ man, 20, is arrested after ‘attacking 5 individuals with a crowbar’ in hospital ready room ‘when he was refused an appointment’

An Afghan national has been arrested after allegedly attacking five people with a crowbar in a hospital waiting room while demanding an appointment. 

Merseyside Police scrambled to Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, this afternoon.

A man, who it is understood is originally from Afghanistan, has been arrested on suspicion of five counts of wounding with intent, affray and criminal damage. 

He has been taken to a local police station and remains in custody.

Police remain at the scene and members of the public have been advised to avoid the area.   

St Helens Neighbourhood Superintendent Sarah Rotherham said: ‘We were called to reports of a man behaving aggressively at the hospital who had assaulted a number of people. 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 with any information.’

In a statement from Merseyside Police: ‘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.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.