• He was denied an appointment

• Attacked staff with a weapon

Staff at a UK hospital were assaulted by an armed man after his request for an appointment was refused, local police reported.

The incident occurred shortly after 12 p.m. on Tuesday, prompting authorities to respond after reports that a man had attacked several people with a weapon believed to be a metal crowbar, causing damage to the reception area.

Police stated the man appeared agitated and angry after being denied the appointment and was asked to leave the hospital.

Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, representing Newton-le-Willows, said his father, who lives next to the hospital, heard about the attack and immediately contacted the police.

“I received a call from my father saying a family friend rushed to inform him that someone was attacking hospital staff and damaging the reception area. I arrived at the hospital within minutes and witnessed a large-scale emergency response by police and ambulance services,” he added.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of five counts of assault, as well as riot and property damage.

Officials noted that the injured are receiving treatment at the hospital and their injuries are not life-threatening.