A man has been arrested after five people were assaulted with a weapon in a hospital, police have said.

The casualties have been treated by paramedics at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens, after the attack with what may have been a crowbar was reported shortly after 12:00 GMT, Merseyside Police said.

The force said the suspect was believed to have attended the hospital to request an appointment but became “increasingly agitated” when it was declined and he was asked to leave.

The 20-year-old man, who police said was originally from Afghanistan, was arrested on suspicion of five counts of Section 18 wounding, affray and criminal damage.

He was reported to have damaged a counter before assaulting people inside the hospital, police said.

Seve Gomez-Aspron, who represents Newton-le-Willows ward on St Helens Council, said his father, who lives close to the hospital, heard that someone was attacking staff and damaging the reception area.

He said he rushed to the hospital and got there within a few minutes.

“From receiving the call to arriving there had been a massive emergency response to deal with the incident.

“I can only thank Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service for such a swift and efficient response, running into a scenario where danger is unknown.

“It’s a shock, but as always, we need to await the full facts without speculation.”

Supt Sarah Rotherham said: “We were called to reports of a man behaving aggressively at the hospital who had assaulted a number of people.

“Officers attended immediately and the male was swiftly located and arrested. Paramedics attended at the hospital and carried out first aid to those who had been injured.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.