Man further detained under Mental Health Act after metal bar attack at Newton Community Hospital

A man has been further detained under the Mental Health Act following reports that multiple people were attacked at a Merseyside hospital last month.

Just after 12pm on December 30, Merseyside Police received a report that a man attended Newton Community Hospital, in Newton-le-Willows, and injured several people inside the hospital with a metal bar.

Shortly after the incident, the force said it believed that his request for an appointment was declined and, when he was asked to leave, he “became increasingly agitated”and damaged a counter before assaulting several people inside the hospital.

Multiple people were treated for injuries by paramedics and members of the public were advised to avoid the area while a police cordon was in place.

A 20-year-old man, who lives in Newton-le-Willows and is originally from Afghanistan, was arrested on suspicion of six counts of Section 18 wounding, affray and criminal damage. He was taken to a police station in Merseyside and was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

Merseyside Police have today (January 30) confirmed that he has now been further detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act, which authorises compulsory detention in a hospital for treatment for up to six months while he is reviewed.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Toole explained: “This means he cannot leave the facility on his own during this period and if required, they will only be for extenuating circumstances. Our officers will be informed of any developments or consideration for discharge.

“We understand this incident would have caused concern for the local community and I hope the public feel reassured by this review. I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people of the importance of not posting speculation or other comments online which could affect our ongoing work.”

Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook quoting reference 25001060801. You can also report information here or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here.