Security guards at Truro hospital injured in bleach attack

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm after two security guards at a Truro, N.S., hospital were doused with household bleach earlier this week.

Police were called to Colchester East Hants Health Centre at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday to respond to a report of an assault involving a visitor, Chief David MacNeil of the Truro Police Service told CBC News.

"There was a young person that was visiting the hospital because they had a family member that was in the hospital," MacNeil said.

"They were upset by something that happened and as far as we can determine so far there was some kind of interaction or discussion with security staff. The young person left the hospital and returned a time later and at that time threw a substance on two of the security guards, assaulting them."

Police say two male guards were splashed with bleach, one in the face and the other on his torso. Both men were treated at the hospital and released.

Paladin Security provides security at the hospital. A statement from the company said the guards were able to use their extensive training to regain control of the situation and "maintain control of the individual" until police arrived.

It said both officers are doing well and are expected to return to work in the coming days.

A spokesperson with Nova Scotia Health said in an emailed statement Wednesday that the health authority was saddened by the news that two members of the hospital's security team had been seriously injured.

"We are working closely with police, and our immediate focus remains on supporting the team members impacted by this event."

The teenager, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was released after a court appearance on Wednesday. He's scheduled to return to court on July 7.