A 13-year-old boy has died after being stabbed multiple times in east London and a suspect armed with a sword has been detained by police, Irish Examiner reports.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, a Metropolitan Police spokesman, said five people were injured in the attack in Hainault. Two police officers suffered injuries that required surgery. Mr Bell described their injuries as “significant” but not life-threatening, while the injuries sustained by two members of the public are also not considered serious.
The officer said he did not believe it was a targeted attack and that it was not linked to terrorism. Speaking at a press conference near the scene, Mr. Bell said:
You will be aware that a serious incident occurred here at this location this morning. Police and ambulance services were called and deployed to a number of casualties. It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured in the incident, a 13-year-old boy, has died from their injuries. He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died a short while after. The child’s family are being supported firstly by my local officers and now with some specialist officers.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the incident was “shocking,” adding: “Such violence has no place on our streets.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “absolutely devastated” by the incident and was in close contact with the city police commissioner.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said his thoughts are with those “affected” by the horror incident in east London this morning. He posted on X:
I am being regularly updated about the incident at Hainault Station this morning.
