WARNING: Graphic Image – Officers confirmed a 20-year-old man, originally from Afghanistan, has been taken to a police station
Carrington Walker GAU Writer and Lucy Thornton
11:14, 31 Dec 2025
Meg Lynch said she was working in Newton Community Hospital yesterday(Image: Meg Lynch/Facebook)
A nurse has alleged she was “beaten nearly to death” with a metal bar during a violent incident at a Merseyside community hospital that left six NHS workers injured.
Police were called to Newton Community Hospital, in Newton‑le‑Willows, shortly after midday on Tuesday (December 30) following reports that a man had become aggressive after being refused an appointment. Officers claim he allegedly grew “increasingly agitated” before smashing a counter and attacking staff.
One of the reported victims, district nurse Meg Lynch, described the terrifying moment she claims she was struck from behind while taking a brief break to buy a drink from a vending machine. She said she felt “a few blows to the head” before fleeing the building, covered in blood, to hide from her attacker.
A nurse was allegedly battered from behind as she stopped to get a drink during her busy shift(Image: (Image: Meg Lynch/Facebook))
In a post shared on Facebook, Ms Lynch wrote that she had been “beaten nearly to death with a crowbar by an unknown man”, adding: “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.”
“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,” Meg wrote on social media.
“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.”
She later thanked everyone for their kind words and said she was now “home and safe with my family taking care of me. Very sore and in a state of shock but I’m okay.”
Meg shared pictures of her injuries on Facebook(Image: Meg Lynch/Facebook)
Merseyside Police confirmed a total of six people required hospital treatment and treatment at walk-in centres after the incident, with injuries ranging from head lacerations, wounds to their arms and hands, and bruising. All are in a stable condition.
The weapon used during the attack, a metal bar, has been recovered for forensic examination, witnesses are being spoken to, and all available CCTV footage is being analysed.
The suspect, a 20-year-old man, originally from Afghanistan, was taken to a police station in Merseyside and has now been detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
A police presence remains at the community hospital as an investigation into the incident continues, with a mobile police station on site, and people are encouraged to speak to officers with any worries or concerns.
St Helens Local Policing 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.”