Man detained after six people treated for injuries in hospital incident

A man has been arrested and detained after six people were injured in an incident at a hospital.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, following the incident on Tuesday, police said.

He was arrested on suspicion of six counts of section 18 wounding, affray and criminal damage.

Initially, he was taken to a police station in Merseyside and later detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

The people are being treated for head lacerations, injuries to their arms and hands and bruising after police said a man with a metal bar was denied a hospital appointment.

All are in a stable condition, a Merseyside Police spokesperson said.

A metal bar used during the incident has been recovered for forensic examination, police said.

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Officers were called to the hospital shortly after midday on Tuesday following a report a man had become "increasingly agitated" when his request for an appointment was refused.

Superintendent Sarah Rotherham said: "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.

"I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station."

(c) Sky News 2025: Man detained after six people treated for injuries in hospital incident