London stabbing attack: Man with sword stabs several near Hainault Tube station, arrested

Multiple people were wounded in northeast London on Tuesday after a man attacked them with a sword in a mass stabbing attack, police forces told news agency Reuters. The man was arrested and officials stated that the incident was not thought to be terrorism-related violence.

The Metropolitan Police suspect that the 36-year-old man attacked members of the public and two officers in the Hainault area.

Purported visuals of the incident appeared to show a young man roaming the street with a sword in his hand, as shared on social media. India Today could not independently verify the video.

He was arrested after police were called to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the area close to Hainault train station.

“This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned. I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm. We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community,” Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said.

The police added that the incident did not appear to be terror-related and they were not looking for further suspects.

“I am being regularly updated about the incident at Hainault Station this morning,” Britain’s interior minister James Cleverly said on X. “My thoughts are with those who have been affected.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, stated that additional reassurance patrols will be deployed in the area and urged the public to refrain from speculation.

“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 said in a statement.

“I would urge people not to speculate until the details of this incident are confirmed by the police and avoid posting footage on social media,” he added.