A violent attack at a community hospital in Merseyside has left six NHS workers injured, with one district nurse revealing she required her head to be sewn back together after being beaten with a metal bar.
Brutal Assault at Newton Community Hospital
Emergency services were called to Newton Community Hospital in Newton‑le‑Willows shortly after midday on Tuesday, December 30. The incident began when a man, who had arrived asking for an appointment, became increasingly agitated after being told he could not be seen and was asked to leave.
Merseyside Police reported that the man allegedly smashed a counter before launching an attack on staff members. One of those injured was district nurse Meg Lynch, who described being struck from behind while buying a drink from a vending machine.
'Beaten Nearly to Death' - A Nurse's Harrowing Account
In a detailed social media post, Ms Lynch stated she was beaten nearly to death with a crowbar by an unknown man. "After a few blows to the head, I ran, I hid and did what I could do to get a door between me and him," she wrote.
She was taken to Whiston Hospital's A&E department, where she praised staff for being "absolutely amazing". Her CT scans and X-rays came back clear, but she required significant treatment. "I've had my head sewn back together, after they cut all the matted blood out," she explained, adding she felt "so so so lucky I'm still alive".
Police Investigation and Mental Health Detention
Merseyside Police confirmed that a total of six people required hospital treatment or treatment at walk-in centres following the assault. Injuries sustained included:
- Head lacerations
- Wounds to arms and hands
- Bruising
All victims are now in a stable condition. The weapon, a metal bar, has been recovered for forensic examination. Police are analysing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.
The suspect, identified as a 20-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, was taken to a police station and has since been detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
A police presence remains at the community hospital, with a mobile police station on site to reassure the local community. St Helens Local Policing Superintendent Sarah Rotherham urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers.
"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 said.
