Sword-wielding man attacks passersby in London, kills 14-year-old boy

Sword-wielding man attacks passersby in London, killing 14-year-old boy, injuring 4 others

Police talk to members of the public at the scene of the stabbing attack in London.

Associated Press

April 30, 2024 9:38 AM PT

LONDON — A man wielding a sword attacked members of the public and police officers in an east London suburb Tuesday, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring four other people, British authorities said.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in a residential area near Hainault subway station, police said.

The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related or a “targeted attack.”

Police said the 14-year-old died in the hospital from his injuries.

Two police officers were being treated for stab wounds. Two other people were also injured.

Chief Supt. Stuart Bell described the incident as “truly horrific.”

“I cannot even begin to imagine how those affected must be feeling,” he said outside the homes in east London where the crime occurred.

Metropolitan Police officials said they were called early Tuesday after reports of a vehicle being driven into a house and people being stabbed.

Video on British media showed a man in a yellow hoodie holding a long sword or knife walking near houses in the area.

Witnesses say they heard police shouting to the assailant, urging him to put down the weapon as they chased him.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said police do not believe there is a threat to the wider community.

“We are not looking for more suspects,” he said.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the incident was “shocking,” adding: “Such violence has no place on our streets.”

King Charles III said his thoughts and prayers were with the family of the young victim, and he saluted the courage of emergency workers, Buckingham Palace said.

Transport for London said Hainault station was closed due to a police investigation in the area.