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Policeman and security guard shot at hospital

ABC

ABC

A man has been charged with intent to murder after a police officer and a security guard were shot at a hospital in Sydney’s west on Tuesday evening.

Police were called to Nepean Hospital about 10.30pm (AEDT) following reports a man was threatening a doctor with scissors.

During a struggle with the man, the officer lost control of his firearm and was shot in the upper leg, while a security guard was hit in the calf.

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The senior constable, reportedly Luke Warburton from the dog squad – according to Today – was in a serious but stable condition in Nepean Hospital on Wednesday morning.

The security guard’s condition was unknown, although he was also undergoing treatment.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Penrith Police Station.

He was later charged with shoot with intent to murder, discharge firearm with intent to resist arrest, and detain for advantage.

The man was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Wednesday.

Acting Commissioner Catherine Burn told media on Wednesday morning an independent critical incident investigation team from North West Metropolitan Region would investigate the incident.

Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes told media violent outbursts in hospital emergency departments were common.

He said the latest attack indicated a need for improvements to security practices in hospitals and increased powers for security personnel.

“Emergency departments are becoming more and more like battle grounds than areas of care,” he told reporters.

“We have seen (this) over the past many years… a nurse was killed in Bloomfield Hospital, we’ve seen the riot squad called to RPA hospital six months ago – this has been an ongoing issue.

“As I said before, with the introduction of drugs like ice, with the ability to have alcohol-fuelled violence, we do not need communities to come to the hospital as visitors and then become patients.”

He said improved training for security officers, and legislation to allow them to restrain and detain would be part of a solution.

 

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