Murder investigation launched after Birch Hill hospital attack

Murder scene: Birch Hill Hospital

Police have launched a murder inquiry after a woman was attacked at Birch Hill hospital in Rochdale.

At 6.05pm on Monday 13 August 2007, police were called to Birch Hill following reports of an assault.

Officers attended the scene on Union Road, Littleborough, from where a 58-year-old woman had been taken to Rochdale Royal Infirmary. She died a short time later.

A post mortem examination was due to take place today, Tuesday 14 August.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody.

The 36-year-old man and the 58-year-old woman are both believed to be patients at the hospital.

A spokesperson for Pennine Care NHS Trust, which runs Birch Hill, said staff had sought help to deal with a "patient incident".

"Staff on the ward administered first aid and resuscitation and an ambulance was called, sadly the patient was pronounced dead at Rochdale Infirmary," she said.

"The trust is aware the police have arrested a man in connection with the incident."

Birch Hill provides inpatient mental health services for adults and older people and outpatient services for service users of all ages.

The services have been the subject of a £7m upgrade within the last 18 months and according to the trust spokeswoman, staffing levels have been increased across all services during this time.

Site security has been improved as part of the measures along with lighting, CCTV, fencing and modern personal safety systems for staff.

A "thorough review" is to be undertaken at the hospital following the incident, the trust spokesperson said.

"Incidents like this are extremely rare within mental health settings, and understandably this has caused distress to staff and patients," she added.

"The trust is ensuring that appropriate support is provided to all of those affected by the incident."