Meg Lynch, a district nurse at Newton Community Hospital, was buying a drink from a vending machine around midday on Tuesday when she was reportedly attacked from behind by a 20-year-old man.
Merseyside Police said the suspect, an Afghan national, became “increasingly agitated” when his request for a hospital appointment was refused. He then allegedly damaged a counter before assaulting multiple people with a metal bar.
Lynch shared graphic details of her ordeal on Facebook, posting images of her head wound. She wrote: “I was beaten nearly to death with a crowbar. After a few blows to the head, I ran, I hid, and got a door between me and him.” She underwent emergency surgery, including head wound stitching, a CT scan, and X-rays, and is now in stable condition.
The attack left six people injured, with head lacerations, bruising, and injuries to arms and hands. All victims received prompt medical attention and are recovering.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding, affray, and criminal damage. He is currently detained under the Mental Health Act at a Merseyside police station.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as hospital staff and patients fled. Sugedaran Shanmugaraja, a shop owner opposite the hospital, said: “A woman came running inside, crying and bleeding from the back of her head. The police arrived quickly.”
Local councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron praised the swift emergency response: “I can only thank Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service for acting so efficiently in an unpredictable and dangerous situation. We must now await the full facts without speculation.”
St Helens Local Policing Superintendent Sarah Rotherham urged calm: “We understand this incident would have caused concern for the community. The increased police presence aims to reassure the public, and anyone with concerns should contact their local station.”
