'Nurse' stabbed at hospital A&E department - man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

A woman has suffered life-changing injuries after being stabbed by a member of the public at the accident and emergency department where she was working.

The victim - believed to be a nurse in her 50s - was attacked at Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester, where she is now being treated.

It is understood she was injured with a bladed article or a sharp instrument - and not by a knife.

Officers were called at 11.30pm on Saturday.

A 37-year-old man is in custody after being "swiftly arrested at the scene" on suspicion of attempted murder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and say there is no threat to the wider public.

Staff are "incredibly shocked", said Heather Caudle, chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.

They are "saddened by last night's incident and our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and their family", she added.

"Our thoughts are also with colleagues and patients who were there at the time of the incident and for whom this has been distressing and frightening.

"All services at Royal Oldham Hospital remain open."

Jim McMahon, the Labour MP for the area, described it as a "senseless attack".

He posted on Facebook: "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."

Detective Sergeant Craig Roters said it was a "serious incident which has left a woman in a critical condition".

The victim's family and colleagues will be supported, he added.

The local community can expect to see an "increase in police presence" while enquiries are carried out, Mr Roters said.

"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 [officers]."

(c) Sky News 2025: 'Nurse' stabbed at hospital A&E department - man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder