Six individuals required medical treatment following a violent incident at a community hospital in Merseyside, where a man allegedly assaulted people with a metal bar after being denied an appointment.
Details of the Violent Incident
Merseyside Police were called to Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows shortly after midday on Tuesday, 30 December 2025. The force reported that a man had become "increasingly agitated" when his request for an appointment was refused. This agitation reportedly escalated, leading him to damage a counter before assaulting several people, believed to be hospital staff.
The weapon used in the alleged attack, which police suggest may have been a crowbar or similar metal bar, was recovered for forensic examination. Officers from Merseyside Police swiftly attended the scene and arrested a suspect.
Injuries and Police Response
The attack left six people with injuries requiring hospital and walk-in centre treatment. Their wounds included head lacerations, injuries to arms and hands, and bruising. Authorities confirmed all victims are now in a stable condition.
A 20-year-old man, a local resident of Newton-le-Willows originally from Afghanistan, was arrested on suspicion of six counts of wounding, affray, and criminal damage. He was later detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act, as confirmed by a police spokesman after the man was taken to a station in Merseyside.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Presence
Local councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, who represents the Newton-le-Willows ward, said his father, living next to the hospital, heard about someone attacking staff and damaging the reception. Gomez-Aspron praised the emergency response, stating: "I can only thank Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service for such a swift and efficient response, running into a scenario where danger is unknown." He urged the community to await the full facts without speculation.
On Wednesday, 31 December, a police scene remained in place at the hospital, with a mobile police station deployed on site to reassure the public. Superintendent Sarah Rotherham addressed community concerns: "We understand that this incident would have caused concern for the local community and I hope the public feel reassured by the increased police presence." She encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to an officer or contact their local station.
