A woman and two children were stabbed in a “truly shocking” attack in east London Thursday evening, with police arresting a man at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.
Metropolitan Police officers responded to reports of a stabbing on First Avenue, Dagenham, around 5:35 p.m., where they found three victims: a woman in her thirties and two children — an eight-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy. While authorities confirmed the eight-year-old girl’s injuries are not life-threatening, they await updates on the conditions of the woman and toddler.
The suspect, who was arrested immediately, required brief hospitalization after becoming unwell but has since been discharged into police custody. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who oversees policing in Barking and Dagenham, indicated the attack appears to be domestic in nature.
“This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident,” Basford said. “At this early stage, we believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”
A substantial crime scene remains in place as investigators gather evidence, with authorities promising increased police presence in the area over coming days. London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance also responded to the emergency.
The incident has rattled the east London community, with police working to reassure local residents while maintaining a significant presence around the crime scene perimeter.
