London, UK – A 13-year-old boy was killed and several others, including two police officers, were injured in a horrifying attack by a man wielding a sword in London on Tuesday morning. The assailant first drove a van into a house before proceeding to attack innocent bystanders near Hainault Tube station in northeast London.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the suspect, wearing a yellow hoodie, brandishing the terrifying weapon at around 7 a.m. One witness described him as “running around with a samurai sword,” while another heard a woman’s scream followed by the words, “he’s got a massive knife” or “he’s got a massive sword.”
According to police, the initial stabbing took place at the house where the suspect crashed his van. Authorities have not confirmed whether the property or its occupants were targeted deliberately. The suspect then went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell of London’s Metropolitan Police expressed his sadness at the death of the 13-year-old boy, who was fatally stabbed and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene, but his identity remains undisclosed.
Despite the shocking nature of the attacks, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community, and authorities do not believe the incident is terror-related. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his devastation over the incident and announced increased police presence in the area.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attack, emphasizing that such violence has no place on the streets. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further details are yet to be released.