Police hunt female patient ‘being treated for addiction’ after nurse, 42, stabbed at hospital
A hospital in Ayr, in Scotland, was put into lockdown following the shocking incident this morning
A SUSPECTED addict stabbed a nurse at an Ayrshire hospital before going on the run today.
Police Scotland have confirmed that a woman has been arrested who is of interest to the case but refused to say whether she was the attacker.
Ailsa Hospital in North Ayrshire was put on lockdown following the incident, with staff and patients urged to lock themselves in rooms and offices.
The victim, understood to be a community support worker at the facility, has been rushed to another hospital for treatment.
Her condition is described as being critical but her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The hospital was re-opened at 1pm after being sealed off by cops.
Investigators said the suspect is a slim woman who is around 5ft 3in tall and was wearing a dark woolly hat and dark jacket.
She is allegedly a patient in the addictions unit, reports Radio Tay.
Police Scotland later said a woman has been arrested on an "unrelated matter" but is of interest to the enquiry.
The statement added: "She is not a suspect at this time. A number of lines of enquiries are still being followed."
Vehicles going in and out of the grounds were thoroughly checked by authorities following the attack.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran confirmed on social media that there was an “incident” on the grounds and that a lockdown was in full effect.
A later statement, issued this afternoon, read: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran is aware of an incident in the grounds of Ailsa Hospital this morning.
“We are assisting Police Scotland with their investigations, and to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors.
“We are unable to comment any further at this time.”
Ailsa Hospital specialises in mental health and psychiatry and cares for elderly patients.
It has a 52 bed Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit.