A nurse who survived being attacked by an Afghan man armed with a crowbar in a hospital waiting room declared today: ‘I’m so, so, so lucky I’m still alive and I’m so lucky I ran when I did.’
Meg Lynch said she was ‘nearly beaten to death’ while stood getting a drink from a vending machine.
The district nurse, who suffered ‘a few blows to the head’ before running and hiding from her alleged attacker, told how she was left bloodied and bruised.
She had to go to a nearby accident and emergency unit for a CT scan and to have ‘my head sewn back together’.
A 20-year-old Afghan man allegedly launched the attack after he was refused an appointment, and was arrested at the scene at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, on suspicion of six counts of Section 18 wounding, affray and criminal damage.
In an update this morning, Merseyside Police said he had been detained under the Mental Health Act, and officers would be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area.
But Ms Lynch, one of six people injured in yesterday’s horrific attack, added: ‘I honestly don’t know why this man did this to me and other workers of the hospital.’
All of the injured are in a stable condition.
Nurse Meg Lynch said she was ‘nearly beaten to death’ by an Afghan migrant while stood getting a drink from a vending machine
The district nurse, who suffered ‘a few blows to the head’ before running and hiding, told how she was left bloodied and bruised
In a Facebook post, she wrote: ‘Just an update to everyone who’s been concerned, as I’ve not had the chance to reply to everyone.
‘As a district nurse, around 12:00 I was attacked at work, at the hospital I am based at.
‘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 cutting 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.’
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.
She had to go to a nearby accident and emergency unit for a CT scan and to have ‘my head sewn back together’
A 20-year-old Afghan man allegedly launched the attack after he was refused an appointment, and was arrested at the scene at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside
Ms Lynch, who only recently completed her first year of nursing, added: ‘I’m home and safe with my family taking care of me’
‘I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to one of our officers or contact their local police station.’
Ms Lynch, who only recently completed her first year of nursing, added: ‘I’m home and safe with my family taking care of me.’
She revealed she was ‘very sore and in a state of shock but okay’ following her ordeal yesterday.
On Facebook, Ms Lynch received a flood of messages of support.
Andrea Vickers, a fellow nurse, said: ‘I’m so glad you’re ok sweety… For this to happen to one of the kindest, cheeriest souls I have the pleasure of knowing is absolutely gutting! Sending hugs and lots of love.’
Jessica Shaw, a nursing student who has been on a placement with Ms Lynch, said: ‘You’re the nicest girl I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and you have shown me such warmth and kindness whilst on placement with you.
‘It angers me to see that somebody has done this to you. Wishing you all the greatest healing, strength and love possible.’
