Location: Liverpool
Source: Daily Express
In a startling incident at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, patients were sent scrambling for safety when a 17-year-old boy unleashed chaos with a homemade flamethrower.
Merseyside Police responded to distress calls around 1:50 pm on January 22, 2024, concerning the erratic behavior of the teenager within the hospital premises.
Witnesses reported scenes of terror as the boy, armed with an aerosol can and lighter, directed flames towards two men in the hospital’s A&E Department.
As captured in the footage, the teenager first targeted a man focused on his phone, unleashing flames in his direction.
The startled individual ducked for cover in a frantic attempt to evade the fiery assault.
Unfazed, the teenager then turned his attention to another individual nearby, reigniting the flames with the aerosol can and lighter.
The second victim found himself in the line of fire, desperately attempting to shield his face as he maneuvered to avoid the flames.
Swift action by a family member resulted in the teenager being restrained, preventing any serious injuries, while hospital security staff later detained him.
Authorities confirmed that both men targeted in the attack chose not to pursue formal complaints.
The teenager, after being apprehended, underwent assessment by mental health professionals before further treatment.
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust emphasized the institution’s stance against violence and affirmed the prioritization of patient and staff safety.
The matter has been formally referred to Merseyside Police for investigation and appropriate action.
This incident follows a string of similar occurrences globally, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
