A youth of 13 years passed away after receiving multiple knife injuries from an episode in east London, while a suspect armed with a sword is kept in confinement after being incapacitated by the police. Stuart Bell, Chief Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, reported that the attack in Hainault led to wounds on five individuals.
There were two Metropolitan Police officers at the scene who were severely injured with their wounds requiring surgical intervention, according to Mr Bell. Their injuries were described as “significant”, but not life threatening. Two members of the public also suffered injuries, but they were also not considered to be life threatening.
Superintendent Bell suggested that the attack seemed random and not related to any form of terrorism. A 36-year-old male was arrested at the incident site and is currently in detention.
On being queried at a media meeting near the location of the incident, Superintendent Bell remarked, “I must regretfully acknowledge the passing of a 13 year old boy, one of the victims, who succumbed to his injuries. He was hospitalised after being stabbed and passed away shortly afterwards”.
The Metropolitan Police disclosed that the initial call they received was regarding a car that had crashed into a house in Hainault, near the Tube station, early on Tuesday at around 7am. This was followed by reports of stabbings in the Thurlow Gardens locality. It was understood that the suspect moved on to assault other members of the public and two policemen, resulting in five people hospitalised.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Ade Adelekan echoed the community’s dismay at the incident stating that people would be in shock and looking for information. He assured that updates will be provided at the earliest. Transport for London meanwhile confirmed that Hainault Tube Station had been closed due to an ongoing police investigation in the area.
In a message shared on X, previously identified as Twitter, Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary and parliamentary representative for Ilford North, stated: “Hainault has been designated as the site of a critical incident.
“Various stations and roads have been cordoned off. Emergency services including police, paramedics, and fire fighters are in attendance.
“One man has been taken into custody.”
Eyewitnesses reported the presence of a helicopter hovering above the area, with law enforcement and medical vehicles speeding towards the location.
The London Fire Brigade indicated that their firemen had been deployed to provide support to the police and the London Ambulance Service. – PA