A tragic incident has unfolded in Hainault, east London, on Tuesday morning, resulting in a critical incident declaration by the police.
Five individuals were stabbed in what authorities described as a “truly horrific” attack, leaving a 13-year-old boy dead and four others hospitalised with injuries.
The perpetrator, a 36-year-old man, was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement and is currently in police custody.
The chaos erupted shortly before 07:00am when reports surfaced of a car crashing into a residence in Thurlow Gardens, a residential street near the town’s Underground rail station. Witness footage captured a scene of turmoil, with the suspect wielding a sword and being pursued by police through residential areas.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of confrontation between the suspect and law enforcement, with multiple individuals sustaining injuries. One witness described hearing cries for medical assistance following a stabbing incident, while another observed the suspect brandishing the weapon and attempting to evade capture.
Accounts from bystanders paint a vivid picture of the unfolding events, with one individual describing a group of people attempting to fend off the assailant, who was ultimately subdued by police intervention, including the use of a taser.
The tragic outcome of the incident saw five people hospitalised, including two police officers, with injuries ranging from significant to life-threatening. The 13-year-old victim succumbed to his wounds shortly after arriving at the hospital, while the conditions of the remaining injured individuals are reportedly stable.
Despite initial concerns, authorities have indicated that the incident does not appear to be terrorism-related nor a targeted attack. They have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat, with the suspect in custody and no additional suspects being sought.
As investigations continue, the community in Hainault remains shaken by the violence that unfolded on their streets, with a heightened police presence offering reassurance amid the aftermath of the tragic event.
[Image via X/ @ell_pht]