An investigation is underway following the stabbing of a nurse at a Greater Manchester hospital. Police say the inquiry is still in its ‘early stages’. The incident, which occurred at the Royal Oldham Hospital and is being treated as attempted murder, has left local residents shocked.
The victim, a woman in her 50s, was attacked while on duty last night (Saturday). Police were called to the scene around 11:30pm. She remains in hospital for treatment for her ‘serious’ injuries, which are believed to be ‘life-changing’, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. She is currently in a critical condition, reports the MEN.
The Manchester Evening news understands it happened in a bay inside the A+E department of the hospital and that the victim, a nurse, was attacked with a ‘sharp instrument’, that wasn’t a knife. Her friends and colleagues are currently receiving support.
A 37-year-old man was ‘swiftly arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder’ GMP said. He remains in custody for questioning. It is unclear at this stage if the man was a patient.
An enquiry is now underway. A police car could this morning be seen parked outside the hospital’s A+E. A statement issued by GMP this morning said: At 11:30pm last night (Saturday, January 11) we were called to Rochdale Road in Oldham to reports of a stabbing.
“It’s believed that a member of the public attacked a member of staff at Royal Oldham Hospital. The victim, a woman in her 50s, suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital for treatment. Her injuries are believed to be life changing.
“A 37 year old man was swiftly arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in police custody.
“Whilst this investigation is in the early stages, we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and we do not believe there to be a threat to the wider public.”
The statement included a comment from Detective Sergeant Craig Roters from GMP’s Oldham district: He said: “This is a serious incident which has left a woman in a critical condition.
“Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues, and we will continue to support them throughout this investigation. The local community can expect to see an increase in police presence whilst we carry out enquiries, but they are also there to offer reassurance and answer any questions you may have.
“We know that news of this nature will come as a shock, and if you have any concerns or anything you would like to share, please speak to them.”
The Northern Care Alliance, the NHS trust which runs the Royal Oldham, has been contacted for comment.
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