A district nurse has spoken of her terror after being beaten with a crowbar in a shocking attack at a Merseyside hospital, saying she is 'lucky to be alive'.
A Violent Assault During a Break
The incident occurred at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows at around midday on Tuesday, 30 December 2025. Meg Lynch, a district nurse based at the hospital, had paused her busy shift to get a drink from a vending machine when she was allegedly attacked from behind.
She described receiving 'a few blows to the head' with a metal bar before managing to run and hide, putting a door between herself and the assailant. She was left covered in blood and later required stitches to her head at Whiston Hospital's A&E department.
Police Response and Community Shock
Merseyside Police swarmed the hospital following reports of the disturbance. They confirmed that a total of six people required hospital treatment or care at walk-in centres for injuries including head lacerations, arm and hand wounds, and bruising. All victims are in a stable condition.
The force stated the suspect, a 20-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, had become 'increasingly agitated' after being denied an appointment and asked to leave. He is alleged to have damaged a counter before assaulting several individuals.
The weapon, a metal bar, has been seized for forensic analysis. The suspect was taken to a police station and has been detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. A police cordon remains at the community hospital as investigations continue.
Nurse's Relief and Outpouring of Support
In a heartfelt update on Facebook, Meg Lynch expressed her profound relief. "I honestly don't know why this man did this to me and other workers of the hospital," she wrote, "but I'm so so so lucky I'm still alive."
She confirmed her CT scans and X-rays were clear and thanked the medical team who treated her. She is now 'home and safe' with her family, though very sore and in a state of shock. The nurse has been inundated with messages of support from the public.
To reassure the local community, a portable police unit has been deployed to the area. St Helens Local Policing Superintendent Sarah Rotherham urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers, stating she hoped the increased police presence would provide reassurance following such a distressing event.
