Nurse reveals injuries after she was ‘nearly beaten to death’ with crowbar in hospital

A nurse who was allegedly attacked by a man wielding a metal crowbar while working in hospital yesterday said she is lucky to be alive.

Meg Lynch posted an update on Facebook, saying: ‘I was beaten nearly to death with a crowbar by an unknown man, who started attacking me from behind with the crowbar, as I stood getting a drink from a vending machine.

‘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.

‘I’ve been to Whiston A&E, who was absolutely amazing to me. My CT scans and X ray have come back clear and I’ve had my head sewn back together, after they cut all the matted blood out.

‘I honestly don’t know why this man did this to me and other workers of the hospital, but I’m so so so lucky I’m still alive and I’m so lucky I ran when I did, otherwise I wouldn’t be here right now.’

Six people were treated for injuries including head lacerations after the alleged attack at Newton Community Hospital by a man, said to be an Afghan migrant, who was denied a hospital appointment, police said.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said a man who was arrested at the site in Newton-le-Willows had been detained under the Mental Health Act.

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

He was reported to have damaged a counter before assaulting several people.

A force spokesman said those hurt required treatment in hospital and at walk-in centres for injuries including head lacerations, injuries to their arms and hands and bruising.

All are in a stable condition, the force said.

A 20-year-old man, who lives in Newton-le-Willows and is originally from Afghanistan, was arrested on suspicion of six counts of wounding, affray and criminal damage.

He was taken to a police station in Merseyside and later detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act, a force spokesman said.

Police said the metal bar used during the incident was recovered for forensic examination.

Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, for the Newton-le-Willows ward, said his father, who lives next door to the hospital, heard that someone was attacking staff and damaging the reception area.

He said: ‘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.’

On Wednesday, the force said a scene remained in place at the community hospital and a mobile police station was on site.

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.’

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