A normal workday at a small hospital in Merseyside turned into pure fear when a man went on a sudden attack, leaving six people hurt and one nurse fighting for her life.
Just after noon on Tuesday, police rushed to Newton Community Hospital after reports of a violent rampage inside the building.
One of the victims, district nurse Meg Lynch, later shared what happened to her in a Facebook post that shocked many.
According to Merseyside Police, a man had come to the hospital asking for an appointment. Officers said he became “increasingly agitated” after being told his request could not be met and was asked to leave. Police say he then damaged a counter and began attacking people inside the hospital.
For Meg, the attack came without warning.
She said she had paused her busy shift to get a drink from a vending machine. That small moment nearly cost her life.
In her words, she was attacked from behind and felt “a few blows to the head.” She said she ran as fast as she could, hid, and tried to get a door between herself and the attacker.
On Facebook, Meg wrote:
“Just an update to everyone who’s been concerned, as I’ve not had the chance to reply to everyone. Today, as a district nurse, around 12:00 I was attacked at work, at the hospital I am based at.”
She continued:
“I was beaten nearly to death with a crow bar by an unknown man, who started attacking me from behind with the crow bar, as I stood getting a drink from a vending machine.”
Her message made clear how close she came to dying.
“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,” she wrote.
Meg was taken to Whiston A&E, where she received urgent care. Doctors carried out CT scans and X-rays, which came back clear. Still, she needed stitches after staff had to cut away blood-matted hair to treat her head wounds.
“I’ve had my head sewn back together,” she said.
She also admitted she had no idea why the man attacked her or other hospital workers.
“I’m so so so lucky I’m still alive,” she wrote. “I’m so lucky I ran when I did, otherwise I wouldn’t be here right now.”
Later, Meg thanked people for their support and said she was finally home.
“Home and safe with my family taking care of me,” she posted. “Very sore and in a state of shock but I’m okay.”
Police confirmed that six people in total needed treatment at hospitals or walk-in centres. Their injuries included head cuts, bruises, and wounds to arms and hands. All were said to be in stable condition.
Officers recovered the weapon used in the attack, described as a metal bar, for forensic testing. Witnesses are being spoken to, and all available CCTV footage is under review.
The suspect, a 20-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, was arrested and taken to a police station in Merseyside, the BBC reports. Police later said he was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
A police cordon remains around the hospital as enquiries continue. A mobile police station has also been set up at the site, and officers are encouraging anyone with concerns to come forward.
St Helens Local Policing Superintendent Sarah Rotherham said the incident was deeply upsetting.
“We understand that this incident would have caused concern for the local community,” she said. “I hope the public feel reassured by the increased police presence.”
She added: “I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station.”
