Six Injured in Violent Attack at Newton Community Hospital

A violent incident outside Newton Community Hospital left six individuals injured after a man attacked them with a metal bar on December 30, 2023. Merseyside Police responded to the scene at approximately midday following reports of the assault.

The suspect, a 20-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, reportedly entered the hospital seeking an appointment. When his request was denied, he became “increasingly agitated,” leading to the assault of at least five people inside the facility. Witnesses indicated that the man damaged a counter before the police intervened and apprehended him.

By the following morning, Merseyside Police confirmed that six individuals required medical treatment. Their injuries ranged from head lacerations to bruises, but all victims were reported to be in a stable condition. The metal bar used in the attack has been recovered and will undergo forensic examination.

Police Investigation and Community Response

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, which includes interviewing witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage. The suspect has been detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and taken to a police station in Merseyside. A scene remains cordoned off at the hospital as inquiries continue, with a mobile police station established on-site to assist local residents with any concerns.

St Helens Local Policing Superintendent Sarah Rotherham acknowledged the anxiety this incident may have caused in the community. She emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining a visible presence around the hospital and engaging with both staff and local residents. Rotherham encouraged anyone with concerns to speak directly with officers or contact their local police station.

A shop worker at Best One, located across from the hospital, recounted a dramatic moment during the attack. Sugedaran Shanmugaraja described a woman entering the store, visibly injured and requesting help. “She had a lot of blood at the back of her head and on her shoulder. She was shaking and upset,” he said. After lending her his phone to call the police, Shanmugaraja noted that emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene.

Local councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron shared his experience of the event. He received a call from a family friend alerting him to the chaos unfolding at the hospital. “I told him to call the police and rushed to the hospital,” Gomez-Aspron mentioned, noting the rapid emergency response.

As the investigation unfolds, Merseyside Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them via their social media channels or through their website. Anonymity can also be maintained by reaching out to Crimestoppers.

The community remains shaken but is encouraged by the police’s proactive measures and commitment to safety following this distressing event.