AN investigation panel has been set up at the Royal Bolton Hospital after an elderly patient was allegedly attacked with a fire extinguisher.

Nursing staff who had been on ward E3 when the alleged incident took place, in the early hours of Monday, May 27, have been offered support after it left them “shocked”.

Carol Davies, non-executive director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, is chairing the investigation panel.

She told board members that due to the police investigation, she may be unable to disclose the results of their investigation to the public.

Ms Davies said: “The investigation is running its course but one of the difficulties is that we need to be conscious that we don’t put anything into the public domain that may harm a criminal case.

“Staff have been referred to health and wellbeing for ongoing support but they are coping extremely well.”

Mark Harrison, deputy chair of the board, said he wanted to reiterate chairman David Wakefield’s comments when he said it was a “high performing ward” and said staff had been upset by comments left on social media websites suggesting they had been cowardly.

The Trust’s new director of nursing Trish Armstrong-Child said: “It is an outstanding ward and there is a great team camaraderie there.

“They take their responsibilities very seriously.

“This has had a very detrimental effect on staff, it and has been a shock to the whole team.”

l A man has been charged in connection with the alleged attack.

Anthony Dyer, aged 53, of Crossdale Road, Breightmet, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to 81-year-old Mohammed Aslam as well as two counts of common assault against other people.

Dyer appeared at Bolton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until June 21 when he will appear at Bolton Crown Court.