By A 13-year-old boy has tragically lost his life following a brutal sword attack near a Tube station in Hainault, east London.
The rampage, which occurred on Tuesday morning, also left four others wounded, including two members of the public and two police officers.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the two injured members of the public remain in hospital but their conditions are not life-threatening.
The two police officers who were stabbed during the incident also require surgery for significant injuries.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, in a press conference, confirmed that the suspect, a 36-year-old man, was tasered by police and arrested 22 minutes after the initial call.
The suspect remains in custody. CSI Bell described the incident as “truly horrific” and emphasized that it does not appear to be a targeted attack or linked to any act of terrorism.
Eyewitness accounts paint a disturbing picture of the events that unfolded. One neighbor reported waking up to the sound of a “huge crash” and seeing a van that had plowed into the side of a house.
The driver, who was allegedly armed with a samurai sword, then began “lurking” outside people’s front doors and attacking innocent bystanders.
Shocking footage posted on social media shows the suspect, wearing a yellow jumper and dark trousers, carrying what appears to be a samurai sword.
Witnesses reported seeing the man stabbing multiple people along the road before being cornered by police in a stand-off.
One resident from Laing Close recounted the terrifying moment when she hid inside her home as the suspect shouted, “Do you believe in God?” outside, while an injured person lay on the ground nearby.
Another onlooker, who was woken up by loud shouting, witnessed the young man making his way towards the station before being apprehended by police.
The community is left shaken and devastated by this senseless act of violence that has claimed the life of a young boy and injured several others.
As the investigation continues, thoughts and condolences go out to the victims and their families affected by this tragic incident.
