A nurse who was allegedly stabbed with a pair of scissors at Royal Oldham Hospital has been pictured for the first time.

Roman Haque, 37, from Yasmin Gardens in Royton, Oldham, stood in the dock at Manchester Magistrates' Court for a brief five-minute hearing following the incident which took place at around 11.30pm last Saturday in the hospital's acute medical unit.

He is accused of the attempted murder of Achamma Cherian, a nurse in her 50s, who was seriously injured, and also the possession of a bladed article and a pair of scissors in a public place.

No pleas were given, and Greg Kemp, defending, said there would be no application for bail.

Haque, wearing a grey sweatshirt and flanked by two prison officers, was asked to identify himself and gave his name as "Mohammed Roman Haque".

District Judge Jane Hamilton told the defendant: "The attempted murder is a matter that can only be dealt with by a crown court, so the possession of a bladed article is going to go with it.

"You will next appear at Minshull Street Crown Court on February 18, in five weeks' time. Between now and then, you will be remanded in custody."

Earlier, Detective Superintendent Matt Walker of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: "Our thoughts are with the nurse as she continues to receive treatment in the hospital for her injuries, and our priority remains supporting her, her family, and her colleagues at this difficult time.

"We continue to work closely with our NHS colleagues to support anyone who has been affected by this incident."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described nurses as "the backbone of our NHS" after hearing of the woman's injuries.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS STORY... FOLLOW BELOW FOR UPDATES...