Man aims gun at Infirmary patients

Date published: 02/01/2008

A masked man ran into Rochdale Infirmary in the early hours of New Year's Eve and pointed a gun at receptionists and patients before running off. In connection with the incident a 31-year-old man from Belfield has been arrested and charged by Rochdale police with possession of a firearm.

Scott Charlton, of Bellshill Crescent, was alleged to have entered the Accident and Emergency department at about 1.50am on Monday 31 December brandishing what appeared to be an air rifle and, according to reports, pointed it at several people in the reception area. No-one was hurt in the incident and the weapon was not fired before the man made off. Police were at the scene shortly after.

Mr Charlton was arrested in connection with the incident and charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and will appear before Rochdale Magistrates' Court tomorrow, Thursday 3 January.

Karen James, director of operations for Pennine Acute Trust, which runs Rochdale Infirmary, said: "Everyone was very shocked by this incident. I met staff at the unit following the incident, and obviously it has been traumatic and worrying.

"While incidents of this kind are thankfully rare, it does indicate the sort of situations which NHS frontline staff can face. Threats and actual violence are sadly no longer as uncommon as they once were.

"The fact that the unit remained open for business, still treating the patients who need help, speaks volumes for the dedication and determination of all of our staff at the Infirmary."