A man with a sword went on a rampage in Hainault, east of London, attacking several people including two police officers before being arrested, the Metropolitan Police reported on Tuesday.
The incident began when a vehicle drove into a house, prompting a call to the police just before 7:00 am. The suspect then proceeded to stab multiple individuals, including law enforcement officials. The London Ambulance Service treated five injured individuals and transported them to the hospital, with their conditions currently unknown.
The 36-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene, with Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan stating that the incident does not appear to be terror-related. Social media posts revealed images of the man wielding a Samurai-type sword on the streets near residential areas.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his devastation over the incident and commended the bravery of the police and emergency services. The Mayor’s response comes in the wake of criticism from Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding Khan’s handling of knife crime in the city.
Knife crime in London saw a 20 percent increase in 2023, with 14,577 reported offenses. Across England and Wales, there was a seven-percent rise in knife-related incidents, totaling 49,489 offenses, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The Metropolitan Police assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.