A 20-year-old man injured five people with a crowbar at a hospital, prompting a full lockdown, before he was arrested nearby, according to reports from multiple news outlets covering the incident on December 30, 2025.
Police arrested a man aged 20 after he allegedly used a crowbar to injure five individuals at a hospital in north London, forcing the facility into lockdown on Tuesday afternoon, with emergency services responding swiftly to the scene.
Hospital Placed Under Lockdown Following Violent Assault
According to Metro.co.uk, the incident unfolded at a major hospital where the suspect entered and began attacking people with a crowbar, injuring five victims whose conditions range from minor to serious but are not believed to be life-threatening. Emergency services, including armed police, were called to the site around midday, implementing a lockdown that prevented staff and patients from moving freely within the premises. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of the 20-year-old suspect a short distance from the hospital shortly after the attack.
As reported by Metro.co.uk, eyewitness accounts described chaos as alarms sounded and security teams directed people to safe areas during the lockdown.
Police Response and Arrest Details Emerge
Multiple outlets, including the Evening Standard and BBC News, detailed the rapid police operation, noting that officers located and detained the suspect hiding in nearby bushes less than 30 minutes after the initial call. The crowbar, described as a heavy metal tool, was recovered at the scene, and forensic teams began examining it alongside other evidence. No motive has been publicly disclosed by authorities, though investigations into the man’s background are ongoing.
Victim Conditions and Medical Treatment
The Evening Standard reported that among the five injured, two required hospitalisation for wounds consistent with blunt force trauma, while the others were treated for cuts and bruises on site. According to Sky News, hospital staff praised the quick actions of security personnel who contained the immediate threat without further casualties. No staff or patients were among the most seriously hurt, per initial police statements relayed through PA Media.
Community and Authority Reactions to the Incident
Local health officials expressed relief that the situation was brought under control swiftly, with the hospital trust issuing a statement via Reuters confirming the all-clear was given within two hours and normal operations resumed by early evening. Community leaders in the area called for enhanced security measures at medical facilities, citing rising concerns over violent incidents, as covered by The Guardian. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s office, quoted in ITV News, emphasised the effectiveness of their response teams in preventing escalation.
Investigations continue with the suspect in custody, pending charges, and hospital services fully restored, marking the end of the immediate threat as per updates from all major reporting outlets.
