11-year-old Leicester Square stabbing victim confirmed as Australian tourist - and will now need plastic surgery

Scene at Leicester Square

An 11-year-old-girl stabbed and seriously injured in an attack in London's Leicester Square, is an Australian tourist, GB News can confirm

PA
Mark White

By Mark White


Published: 14/08/2024

- 11:35

Updated: 14/08/2024

- 12:31

A 32-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article

An 11-year-old-girl stabbed and seriously injured in an attack in London's Leicester Square, is an Australian tourist, GB News can confirm.

Australian consulate officials in London are offering consular support to the girl's family.


It has also been reported that the victim, who suffered eight stab wounds to the face, neck and upper body, will likely require plastic surgery.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that the school girl is from New South Wales.

Scene at Leicester SquareAn 11-year-old-girl stabbed and seriously injured in an attack in London's Leicester Square, is an Australian tourist, GB News can confirmPA

A statement from the Australian Government added: "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to two Australians injured in London.

"Owing to our privacy obligations we cannot provide further comment."

The 11-year-old had been visiting Leicester Square with her 34-year-old mother when the attack happened.

Romanian national Loan Pintaru appeared in court on Tuesday charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

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Westminster Magistrates Court was told the blade, recovered by police at the scene, was a steak knife.

Pintaru is alleged to have placed the girl in a headlock before stabbing her multiple times.

Members of the public and a security guard from a nearby shop rushed to help the victim on hearing her screams.

Police have still not released any detail on a possible motive for the attack.

Scene at Leicester SquareEmergency services were called to Leicester Square at 11.30am on MondayGetty

The girl remains in hospital and is receiving specialist treatment.

Pintaru, who spoke through a translator in court to confirm his name and date of birth, was remanded back into custody Tuesday.

He will appear in at the Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey on September 10.

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