A 14-year-old boy has died, with four others hospitalised, after a 36-year-old man attacked police and members of the public, reportedly with a samurai-style blade, in London earlier today.
A man was arrested and emergency services swarmed to the scene outside Hainault Tube station in North-East London after members of the public and police officers were attacked, while videos posted by bystanders circulated online showing a man holding the sword walking around a residential street.
In a statement this afternoon, Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell said a 13-year-old boy died from injuries sustained in the attack, which he called "a very fast-moving incident". This was later corrected, and police confirmed the boy was 14.
Ch Supt Bell confirmed the 36-year-old man was in custody, and was Tasered and arrested at the scene just over 20 minutes after police were called.
Police confirmed that they are not looking at any other suspects.
In total, five people were injured in the attack - three members of the public, including the boy, and two police officers.
While the two members of the public in hospital suffered non-life-threatening injuries, the pair of officers have significant - but not life-threatening - injuries and require surgery.
A man was seen holding a samurai sword-style blade while a large emergency presence was seen at Hainault Underground station
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Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe has said the 36-year-old man was arrested, having suffered "injuries" when his van collided with a building.
"He has been arrested on suspicion of murder at this time," she added whilst given a statement to the media. "Given his injuries, we have been unable to interview him."
Speaking about "widespread speculation" regarding the suspects' background, police said they'd not found evidence of previous convictions - despite "urgent and extensive checks".
Ch Supt Bell added that "everyone at the Met is keeping them [the boy's family] in their thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time", and said the child's family are being supported by specially trained officers.
The police said they were not looking for any other suspects in relation to the incident, but Bell did not comment on questions on whether the suspect had been arrested in the past.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said the day's events were "devastating" and "appalling", adding: "It breaks my heart not only that this child has lost his life, but two members of our emergency services have risked their own safety to make sure others weren't injured."
A large-scale emergency response was seen in the area earlier this morning
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Khan praised the efforts of the police, who he said were "well aware this was a dangerous man" but, regardless, "risked their own safety to make sure others weren't injured".
Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, which covers Hainault, said: "Our whole community will be devastated by the heartbreaking news that a 13-year-old boy was killed in the horrific sword attack in Hainault this morning.
"I can't imagine what that poor boy's family are going through and they have my deepest, heartfelt condolences. My prayers are also with the other victims of this horrific attack and their loved ones."
Streeting thanked emergency personnel for their "courageous response", and singled out the Met Police for their efforts, saying "they are the best of us".
A Metropolitan Police statement in the immediate aftermath of the incident said: "We were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people have been stabbed.
"At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: "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 will we provide more information as soon as we can.”
The police statement continued: "We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community. We are not looking for more suspects. This incident does not appear to be terror-related."
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Emergency services were still at the scene hours later
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Earlier today, Sadiq Khan said: "I am absolutely devastated by the news from Hainault this morning.
"I remain in constant contact with the Commissioner. A man has been arrested and the area secured. The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. There will be additional reassurance patrols in the area."
"The police officers and emergency services showed the best of our city - running towards danger to protect others and I thank them from the bottom of my heart."
The mayor urged people not to speculate on the incident until the police came forward with more information, and called on Londoners to avoid posting footage on social media.
While Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Awful news coming from Hainault. Our thoughts are with the victims. Thankful for the first responders on the scene."
More footage of the alleged attacker was posted online
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The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, said his "thoughts are with those who have been affected" and thanked emergency response teams involved with the incident.
He added that he was "being regularly updated about the incident at Hainault Station this morning."
While the Prime Minister said: "This is a shocking incident. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.
"I'd like to thank the emergency services for their ongoing response, and pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery shown by police on the scene. Such violence has no place on our streets."
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed firefighters from nearby Dagenham, Walthamstow, Ilford, Romford, Hainault and East Ham among others were mobilised to assist police and the London Ambulance Service near Hainault Underground Station.
The spokesperson said: "Crews supported London Ambulance Service crews in the provision of immediate emergency care. The Brigade was called at 7.35am and the incident was over for firefighters by 9.24am."
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson told GB News: "We were called at 6.54am this morning (Tuesday) to reports of an incident near Hainault Underground Station.
"We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, clinicians in response cars, advanced paramedics and London’s air ambulance.
"At this time we understand members of the public and two police officers had been attacked. Working together with our emergency services partners, we treated five people on the scene and took all five to hospital. All crews have now left the scene."
