Man charged with attempted murder after 11-year-old girl stabbed in broad daylight Leicester Square attack
A 32-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of an 11-year-girl who was stabbed in Leicester Square
PA
A 32-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of an 11-year-old girl who was stabbed in Leicester Square.
Ioan Pintaru was remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.
Pintaru, of no fixed address, has also been charged with possession of a bladed article.
The Metropolitan Police said the girl’s 34-year-old mother was initially thought to have been hurt, however, blood from her daughter had been mistaken for injuries of her own.
A 32-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of an 11-year-girl who was stabbed in Leicester SquarePAThe school girl's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, officers have said.
Emergency services were called to Leicester Square at 11.30am on Monday.
Police believe the suspect did not know the victims and the attack is not thought to be terror-related.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Ioan Pintaru, 32, of no fixed address, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
"It was initially believed that the girl’s mother, a 34-year-old woman, was also hurt however it was later confirmed that blood from her daughter’s injuries had been mistaken for injuries of her own.
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"He was remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later this morning (Tuesday, 13 August).
"Police were called to Leicester Square at 11.34am on Monday, 12 August following reports of a stabbing.
"An 11-year-old girl was found with stab wounds.
"She was taken to hospital where her injuries, while serious, were assessed as non-life threatening.
Emergency services were called to Leicester Square at 11.30am on Monday
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Police have also praised the bravery of those who stepped in to help.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah said: "This is a horrific incident and our thoughts are with the victims and their family.
"We will continue to provide support to them over the coming days and weeks.
"I would like to pay tribute to the members of the public, including staff from local businesses, who bravely intervened in this incident.
"They put themselves at risk and showed the best of London in doing so."
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