Attempted murder arrest as ‘hospital nurse’ seriously injured in stabbing at A&E

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman, believed to be a hospital nurse, was seriously injured after being stabbed in Royal Oldham Hospital’s A&E department.

Police were called to Rochdale Road, Oldham, at 11.30pm on Saturday to reports of a stabbing, Greater Manchester Police said.

It is believed a member of the public attacked a member of staff at Royal Oldham Hospital with a bladed article or sharp instrument which was not a knife, the force added.

The woman, who is 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 arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, police said.

He remains in police custody.

The force said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and it does not believe there is a threat to the wider public.

Detective Sergeant Craig Roters, from the Oldham district, 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 inquiries, 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 MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton has called the stabbing of the worker a “senseless attack” and wished her a full recovery.

Jim McMahon, who is also local government minister, posted on Facebook saying: “We are all shocked at the senseless attack on a nurse in the A&E department of the Royal Oldham Hospital.

“Our thoughts are with the nurse, family and friends as we wish a full recovery.”