On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, became the scene of a shocking and violent outburst that left five people injured and a community reeling. According to reports from Sky News, BBC, Daily Mail, GB News, and other local outlets, a 20-year-old man, originally from Afghanistan, was arrested after allegedly attacking staff and patients with what is believed to have been a crowbar.
The incident unfolded just after noon, when the man arrived at the hospital and requested an appointment. When his request was declined, witnesses and police say he became increasingly agitated. In a swift escalation, he reportedly damaged a counter at the hospital reception before launching a violent assault on those inside the waiting area. Police believe a metal bar, possibly a crowbar, was used in the attack. The five people injured in the incident were treated by paramedics at the hospital, with authorities confirming that none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Merseyside Police responded immediately to reports of aggressive behavior and multiple assaults. Officers arrived at the hospital within minutes and swiftly located and arrested the suspect. He was taken to a local police station in Merseyside and, as of the latest updates, remains in custody for questioning. The man is being held on suspicion of five counts of wounding with intent (Section 18 wounding), affray, and criminal damage, as detailed in statements from both BBC and Sky News.
Superintendent Sarah Rotherham of St Helens Neighbourhood Police provided a detailed account of the emergency response: "We were called to reports of a man behaving aggressively at the hospital who had assaulted a number of people. Officers attended immediately and the male was swiftly located and arrested. Paramedics attended at the hospital and carried out first aid to those who had been injured. I would like to take this opportunity for anyone who witnessed this incident at the hospital to contact us with any information."
The hospital itself was placed under a police cordon as investigations continued, with members of the public strongly advised to avoid the area. The presence of a large number of officers and emergency vehicles underscored the seriousness with which authorities treated the situation. According to Daily Mail, the police scene remained in place for several hours, and the public was repeatedly urged not to speculate on social media as the facts were gathered.
Seve Gomez-Aspron, a Newton-le-Willows councillor whose father lives next to the hospital, recounted his own experience upon learning of the attack. He told BBC, "At around 12.10pm I got a phone call from my dad, who lives next to the hospital, to say a family friend had run to his house to tell him that someone was attacking staff within the hospital and damaging the reception area. I live nearby, so I told him to call the police and I rushed to the hospital and so I got there within a few minutes." He went on to praise the emergency services: "From receiving the call to arriving there had been a massive emergency response to deal with the incident. 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. It's a shock, but as always, we need to await the full facts without speculation."
The Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which operates Newton Community Hospital, also issued a statement after the incident. "We can confirm that an incident occurred at Newton Hospital today (30 December 2025), and the Trust is working closely with Merseyside Police as they conduct their investigations. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our staff, patients, and visitors, and we are providing full support to those affected. If you have an appointment at Newton Hospital or are the next of kin of an inpatient, our team will contact you directly with any updates."
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and fear as the attack unfolded. One local resident, speaking to Daily Mail, said that a family friend had run to alert nearby residents of the violence inside the hospital. The rapid response by police and paramedics was widely commended by both officials and the public, with Councillor Gomez-Aspron posting on Facebook: "There has been an incident at Newton Hospital. Around 5 people have been injured. All of which are now OK and safe and are able to contact their families. Do not speculate on Facebook. The Police have still cordoned off the scene so avoid the area. I would like to put on record my thanks and appreciation for Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust for the fantastic job they do."
Despite the harrowing nature of the attack, authorities were quick to reassure the public that the situation was under control. The five people injured were treated promptly, and there were no reports of life-threatening wounds. Police emphasized that their investigation was ongoing and encouraged anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward. Members of the public were directed to contact Merseyside Police via their social media desk or the independent charity Crimestoppers, with anonymity guaranteed for those who preferred it.
As the news spread, questions naturally arose about security at healthcare facilities and the pressures faced by both staff and patients. While police have not commented on any motive beyond the suspect's agitation at being refused an appointment, the incident has sparked concern and debate in the community about managing difficult interactions in public services. Hospital staff, already under significant strain, were commended for their composure and quick action in the face of sudden violence.
Newton Community Hospital, a vital resource for the local population in Newton-le-Willows and the wider St Helens area, has rarely seen such a dramatic event. The rapid and coordinated response from Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service has been credited with preventing more serious injuries. The hospital and police have both promised to keep the public updated as the investigation continues and have offered support to those affected by the attack.
For now, the community is left to process the shock of the day’s events, grateful that the injuries were not more severe and that the suspect was apprehended so swiftly. The hospital remains open, with additional security in place, and authorities continue to appeal for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant details.
The events at Newton Community Hospital serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by public institutions and the importance of preparedness, compassion, and community support in times of crisis.
