UK police have arrested a 20-year-old Afghan national after he attacked five people with a crowbar at Newton Community Hospital, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Police said the incident occurred shortly after 12:00 GMT, when the suspect became agitated after staff refused him an appointment and asked him to leave the facility. Officers reported that he damaged the hospital reception counter before assaulting several people inside the building.
Emergency services treated all five victims at the hospital. Police confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Authorities detained the suspect at the scene and arrested him on suspicion of five counts of Section 18 wounding, as well as affray and criminal damage. Police have not released his name.
Alert: A 20-year-old Afghan was arrested after attacking five people with a crowbar at Newton Community Hospital in Merseyside, UK. He reportedly became agitated when his appointment request was refused. pic.twitter.com/dDLIfsMw41
— Mahaz (@MahazOfficial1) December 30, 2025A nearby shop employee, who contacted emergency services after one injured victim ran into his store, described the moment. “I gave her my phone to call. I could see blood, and she said somebody was attacking everybody,” he said.
Police responded swiftly, with around 10 to 15 patrol cars arriving at the hospital to secure the area and take the suspect into custody. Residents expressed shock over the violence. One resident said the incident had deeply unsettled the community, adding that such events were rare in the area.
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it is working closely with the police and supporting those affected. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our staff, patients, and visitors,” the trust said in a statement.
