Mass stabbings hit London, man with a sword arrested from Hainault
A chaotic scene unfolded near a Tube station in northeast London as a man armed with a sword attacked members of the public and police officers. The suspect, a 36-year-old man, crashed a vehicle into a house on Thurlow Gardens before reportedly stabbing multiple people, according to police reports.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that emergency workers treated five people and transported them to the hospital. The suspect also allegedly assaulted two police officers before being apprehended. Fortunately, the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
Video footage and photographs shared on social media showed the man on the streets near houses with what appeared to be a Samurai-like sword. The Metropolitan Police were notified of the incident shortly before 7 am this morning, prompting a swift response from emergency services, including fire and rescue crews and numerous ambulances.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan expressed concern for those involved, stating, “This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned. I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm. People will want to know what has happened, and we will provide more information as soon as we can.”
British Home Secretary James Cleverly and London Mayor Sadiq Khan both expressed their thoughts and gratitude towards the emergency responders. In response to the incident, the Hainault Tube station in Ilford has been closed down by police for further investigation.