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Police have arrested one man following ‘critical incident’ in Hainault after a sword attack which so far has claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy.
Footage circulating on social media showed police responders in a residential area of the north east London area, as other unverified footage showed a man wielding a large blade hiding near houses.
The Metropolitan Police said at 9am they were at an incident in the Hainault area and a man had already been arrested.
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 Mayor of London, 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.
“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.
By 1pm, the Met confirmed that a 13-year-old boy had died following the attack.
Multiple victims remained in hospital, with five taken overall.
“The child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers. Everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time.”
“The events of this morning are truly horrific and I cannot begin to imagine how all those affected must be feeling.”
In a bid to reassure Londoners, he said: “I know that there is an understandable desire for answers and an explanation about what happened. Our investigation is in its very early stages and my officers are working to establish the full circumstances as a priority.”
He confirmed the alleged suspect was tasered and arrested 22 minutes after the first call to police was received shortly before 7am.
He said in the attack, three members of the public were injured, and two police officers.
After the arrest, the Met said: “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.”
It said the suspect was 36-years-old, and they were called just before 7am “to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people have been stabbed.”
The police confirmed the suspect was armed with a ‘sword’.
Local MP Wes Streeting said shortly after 9am on X: “A critical incident has been declared in Hainault. There are station and road closures in place. The Police, Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade are responding. One male detained. I would urge people not to speculate until details are confirmed or post footage on social media.”
One social media user posted unconfirmed footage, reporting to show a “video of the attacker.. this morning” saying he “he waited outside houses and attacked random residents”.
Jas Athwal, the leader of Redbridge Council and a local candidate, said on X: “Critical incident in Hainault this morning. The details are unfolding & Police have control of the situation.
“One man has been arrested Please follow police instructions if in the area and contact them with any information I will keep residents informed as information emerges”.
This comes two days before Sadiq Khan seeks an historic third term at London’s Mayoral election. Polls open on Thursday.
