A summary of today’s developments
The Metropolian Police said a 14-year-old boy was killed in the sword attack this morning in Hainault, East London. The boy’s family is being supported by specialist officers, the orcesaid.
Five people were also injured in the attack: two members of the public and two Metropolitan police officers.
The two Met officers suffered wounds that both require surgery, with Ch Supt Stuart Bell, of the Met police, describing their injuries as “significant” but not life-threatening. The injuries sustained by the two members of the public are also not deemed to be life-threatening.
The suspect, a 36-year-old man, is in hospital after sustaining “injuries” when his van collided with a building, the Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Louisa Rolfe said. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder but has yet to be interviewed by police due to his injuries. On speculation about his background, Rolfe said: “We have found no trace of a prior incident involving him so far.”
Bell also said at an earlier press conference that he did not believe it was a targeted attack, and it is not believed to be terror-related.
Police said the 36-year-old suspect was arrested 22 minutes after the first call, after being Tasered.
The Guardian understands that police have been investigating whether the suspect in the Hainault attack had a history of mental ill-health.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said he was “absolutely devastated” about the incident and the UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, described it as “shocking”.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has posted this message on X to thank the police and emergency services for their response to the incident in Hainault.
I remain in close contact with the Commissioner about the incident in Hainault this morning.
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) April 30, 2024
The police officers and emergency services who ran towards danger to protect others showed the best of our city - and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. pic.twitter.com/W17SSXFbCj
It only took about 22 minutes between police receiving the first 999 call about a man wielding a sword in a quiet suburb of east London and him being fired at with a Taser and arrested.
But in that brief period, a 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed, and four other people, including two police officers, were injured.
Police described the events of Tuesday morning, near Hainault tube station, as “truly horrific”. “I cannot even begin to imagine how those affected must be feeling,” said Ch Supt Stuart Bell.
The Met police were first alerted “to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house” in Thurlow Gardens just before 7am. Officers said a 36-year-old man got out of the vehicle before carrying out a series of attacks in the surrounding area with a sword, appearing to select victims at random.
A local reverend said today’s events have been a “real shock” to the community as Hainault has been “a fairly peaceful and quiet place”.
Reverend Keith John told Sky News: “The hearts of the whole communities go out to those affected by these events, and especially of course to the family of the young lad who has died.
“It’s something that most of us in the community can barely understand - the horror and the sadness and the shock that his family must be feeling today.”
Prime minster Rishi Sunak sends his “particular heartfelt condolences to the family” of the 14-year-old boy killed in today’s attack, a statement from Downing Street said.
Sunak’s thoughts are with “the whole community and all of those involved”, the statement added and again praises the work of police and other emergency services.
“We continue to reinforce the need to provide them with the time and space to carry out their investigations.”
Footage from a doorbell camera shows police officers Tasering and detaining a sword-wielding man in Hainault, east London.
A 14-year-old boy died after being stabbed after an attack on members of the public and two police officers.
A summary of today’s developments
The suspect in the Hainault attack in east London is in hospital after sustaining “injuries” when his van collided with a building, the Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Louisa Rolfe said. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder but has yet to be interviewed by police due to his injuries. On speculation about his background, Rolfe said: “We have found no trace of a prior incident involving him so far.”
The Met said a 14-year-old boy was killed in the sword attack this morning. The boy’s family is being supported by specialist officers, the Met said.
Five people were also injured in the attack: two members of the public and two Metropolitan police officers.
The two Met officers suffered wounds that both require surgery, with Ch Supt Stuart Bell, of the Met police, describing their injuries as “significant” but not life-threatening. The injuries sustained by the two members of the public are also not deemed to be life-threatening.
Bell also said at an earlier press conference that he did not believe it was a targeted attack, and it is not believed to be terror-related.
Police said the 36-year-old suspect was arrested 22 minutes after the first call, after being Tasered.
The Guardian understands that police have been investigating whether the suspect in the Hainault attack had a history of mental ill-health.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said he was “absolutely devastated” about the incident and the UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, described it as “shocking”.
Updated
New images released by the PA news agency show the 36-year-old suspect being confronted by police during the attack and being tasered.
Updated
Local MP Wes Streeting said he “can’t imagine” what that “poor boy’s family is going through” and shared “deepest heartfelt condolences”.
The Labour MP MP for Ilford North added: “My prayers are also with the other victims of this horrific attack and their loved ones.
“And I know the injuries sustained by the police officers involved will have really affected our whole Metropolitan Police force.
“So I want to thank all of those who are very visible in our community today.”
Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council which covers Hainault, said the four people injured in this morning’s attack are all still in hospital.
He said the community’s “thoughts, prayers, hearts go out to those affected”.
Athwal also tribute to the 14-year-old boy who was killed.
On the 36-year-old suspect in custody, Rolfe said: “We have found no trace of a prior incident involving him so far.”
Updated
Rolfe said there will be a significant police presence in the coming days and the Met would like to speak to anyone with relevant information.
She added people “should think very carefully” about what they post on social media after graphic footage of the incident was posted.
Rolfe added: “He has been arrested on suspicion of murder at this time.“
“Given his injuries, we have been unable to interview him.”
Rolfe added: “Our thoughts of course remain with the family and friends of the 14-year-old boy who very sadly died here this morning.
“We’re also thinking of the two members of the public who were injured, as well as brave officers who were stabbed.”
Updated
Suspect in hospital, Met police say
The suspect in the Hainault incident is in hospital after sustaining “injuries” when his van collided with a building, the Met assistant commissioner Louisa Rolfe said.
Updated
The chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, Rick Prior, said the “horrific incident” is a sad reminder of the “incredible bravery” police display in London every day.
Two officers required surgery following the attack.
Prior said: “It’s often forgotten by people who attack our profession and the difficult and dynamic decisions which officers are confronted with on an hourly basis, that we work with heroes whose courage is incredible.
“We shall be supporting our injured colleagues, the officers they work with and their families as best we can at this very difficult time.”
We work with heroes... Statement from the Metropolitan Police Federation following Hainault sword attack. pic.twitter.com/rj0r3IKsz7
— Metropolitan Police Federation (@MPFed) April 30, 2024
Met police to give another update on Hainault attack
The Metropolitan police is expected to give another update to the media at about 16:00, after this morning’s attack in Hainault, according to BBC News.
Updated
The Metropolitan police has said it is aware of “graphic images” and video that has been circulating on social media after the Hainault attack, and urged people to consider the impact of sharing them, particularly of the 14-year-old boy who was killed.
“Anyone with footage which may assist our criminal inquiry should share it with us urgently,” it wrote in a post on X.
We are aware of graphic images and video on social media following the attack in Hainault.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) April 30, 2024
We ask users to consider the impact of sharing these, particularly those of the fatally injured victim.
Anyone with footage which may assist our criminal inquiry should share it with us… https://t.co/TPA2OO0VNp
The council in Redbridge, which is the London borough where Hainault is located, has published a statement online saying it believes the close-knit community would have been shaken by the incident.
It reads:
We feel shocked at the news of this morning’s attack in Hainault. Police have detained the suspect, and we are supporting the police investigation.
There are cordens in place in the area this morning but police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and have said there is no further risk to the local people.
Hainault is a close-knit community and we know this will have shaken local people. Our thoughts are with all those affected and their family members.
The investigation is live, and police have asked for anyone with any information to call 999.
If anyone needs further support after seeing or experiencing events this morning, please call the victim support phone line on 0808 1689111.
Updated
King Charles asks to be kept 'fully informed' as details of the attack become clearer
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said King Charles’s thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the Hainault attack, especially the family of the 14-year-old boy who was killed.
He has asked to be kept “fully informed” of the incident as new details come to light.
In a statement, the spokesperson said:
Following the horrific scenes in Hainault this morning, the King has asked to be kept fully informed as details of the incident become clearer.
His thoughts and prayers are with all those affected – in particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life – and he salutes the courage of the emergency services who helped contain the situation.
Footage taken by Sky News showed a police cordon and blood on the ground at the scene of the stabbing attack in east London earlier today. You can watch the video here:
Updated
Khan urges Hainault residents to pass relevant doorbell and phone footage to police
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has urged residents in Hainault to pass on any footage recorded on phones or doorbells to the police.
Khan said:
The key message to local residents is if they have recorded on their doorbell or on their phone anything that happened please pass it on to the police.
The police have confirmed they are not looking for anybody else. They have confirmed their is no ongoing wider threat to the community and they have also confirmed this is not a terrorist-related incident.
Members of the public not unreasonably will be quite scared in that community in Hainault. I know it very well – it is a tight-knit community.
Additional uniformed officers will be present, not simply to reassure members of the public but also in case members of the public have any intelligence and any information.
I would encourage members of the public in Redbridge to ring 101. If they have information they can ring crimestoppers. I appreciate how terrifying this was.
They can also contact victim support who can provide assistance to those residents who will be traumatised, I am sure, by what happened this morning.
Updated
Here are some images of forensic officers at the scene in Hainault after the ‘critical incident’ this morning:
Met police clarify that the boy killed in Hainault attack is 14, not 13
The Metropolitan police has clarified the boy who was killed in the attack is 14, not 13 as they previously reported at the press conference in the afternoon.
Police now say that “after speaking with the victim’s family, we can confirm that the boy who died as a result of the incidents in Hainault was aged 14 and not 13”, BBC News reported.
📺 | Update following a serious incident in Hainault this morning.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) April 30, 2024
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell: "My thoughts are with the injured, their families and the wider community as we all begin to come to terms with what has happened."@MPSRedbridge pic.twitter.com/KD0FMGA4jP
Updated
Key event
One local resident, who asked not to be named, saw through her kitchen window the perpetrator stab a young victim with a long sword on the street, and then raise his arms in celebration – “like yay, yay I’ve done it, sort of proud”, she said. She said the young victim immediately collapsed.
She showed a picture to the Guardian of the young male victim, which showed him lying crumpled on the ground. She said local people had attempted to revive him and his family quickly gathered around from a neighbouring house. She said that police had arrived very quickly after the attack.
Videos taken in the morning by local resident Deepsikha Bhattacharjee, 36, showed helicopters, fire engines and police cars. She was woken up at 7am by loud noises of helicopters overhead.
“I came out and it was like chaos everywhere, police cars everywhere, no space left alone. People everywhere. I saw three helicopters and then people literally running from this side to that side. I saw a lot of people insanely running as though someone was chasing them,” she said.
She said local residents had been shouting “don’t go there, shooting is going on”, urging them to run in the opposite direction.
Updated
Wes Streeting, the Labour MP for Ilford North who is also the shadow health secretary, has shared a new statement on X, sending his “deepest, heartfelt condolences” to the family of the teenage boy killed in the attack.
Our whole community will be devastated by the heartbreaking news that a 13 year old boy was killed in the horrific sword attack in Hainault this morning.
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) April 30, 2024
Latest statement: pic.twitter.com/uuEyDnrEl5
Updated
Julia Pisarenko, 39, lives on Laing Close where she saw a teenager stabbed. She said a pool of blood remains on the street. She saw the family arrive and put a cloth under his head, and teams of paramedics attempting to revive him.
“I have not very good eyesight, I saw a gentleman with something in his hand, I thought it was a stick or something like this. I saw police officers and then they were screaming to him ‘move back, move back’.
“I saw this guy with a knife he started to run close to his van, a grey colour, it’s still there. He started to run to his car and then he turned around and started to going to a main road, behind the building so I didn’t see how he was running, but I heard police he was calling to him like ‘move back, lay down’.”
A video shared by Julia’s neighbour shows a man in a yellow T-shirt holding a sword in a stand off with police, who are shouting at him. He then runs around the corner and is chased by police.
Updated
Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for London mayor, said “this is truly devastating and heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with the family of the young boy who lost his life today and with those who were injured.”
“I cannot imagine the grief of losing a child at such a young age and our hearts go out to them,” she said, adding:
I also want to commend the bravery of the police officers who put their lives on the line to stop the attacker, and the ambulance workers who attended the scene and helped the victims. I would encourage any witnesses to speak to the police to help with their investigation.
Home secretary says news teenager was killed in Hainault attack is 'heartbreaking'
The home secretary, James Cleverly, has said the confirmation that a teenager was killed in the “appalling” Hainault attack was “heartbreaking”.
“This will be an incredibly challenging time for the local community and my thoughts remain with all those affected,” he wrote on X.
To hear the 13 year old victim of this morning’s appalling attack in Ilford has died is heartbreaking.
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) April 30, 2024
I send my heartfelt condolences to the family.
This will be an incredibly challenging time for the local community and my thoughts remain with all those affected.
He also wished the two Met police officers injured in the attack a “speedy recovery”.
“Police officers never know what will face them when they show up to work, and they must be commended for putting themselves in harm’s way for us,” Cleverly wrote.
The home secretary said earlier that he was being regularly updated about the incident and urged people not to speculate or share footage online.
Updated
As the Met’s press conference was ending, Ch Supt Stuart Bell refused to be drawn on claims the suspect had been previously arrested.
He said: “I’m not going to be commenting on any of those questions other than the information that I’ve released. We will share that information when we feel it’s appropriate and when we know the answers.”
Updated
What we know so far...
The Metropolitan police said a 14-year-old boy was killed in a sword attack in Hainault, east London, this morning. The boy’s family is being supported by specialist officers, the Met said.
Five people were injured in the attack: three members of the public (one of whom has died) and two Metropolitan police officers.
Two Met officers suffered wounds that both require surgery, with Ch Supt Stuart Bell, of the Met police, describing their injuries as “significant” but not life-threatening. The injuries sustained by two members of the public are also not deemed to be life-threatening.
Bell also said at a press conference that he did not believe it was a targeted attack, and it is not believed to be terror-related.
Police say the 36-year-old suspect was arrested 22 minutes after the first call, after being Tasered.
The Guardian understands that police have been investigating whether the suspect in the Hainault attack had a history of mental ill-health.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said he was “absolutely devastated” about the incident and the UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, described it as “shocking”.
Here is Ch Supt Stuart Bell speaking to the media this afternoon:
Updated
Incident not believed to be a 'targeted attack', Met says
The incident is not believed to be a “targeted attack”, Chu Supt Bell, who leads policing in the local area, told the media, as he asked “for some patience” as police work is carried out and lines of inquiry are pursued.
Two police officers injured in Hainault attack in hospital with 'significant injuries'
The two police officers injured in the Hainault attack are in hospital with “stab wounds” and have “significant injuries”, Ch Supt Bell, of the Metropolitan police, said. These injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, he said.
Bell said two of the members of the public injured in the attack remain in hospital and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening either.
Updated
Police confirm Hainault suspect was Tasered
Ch Supt Bell said a 36-year-old is in custody and was Tasered at the scene this morning and arrested 20 minutes after the first call was made to police around 7am. The police are not seeking anyone else involved in the incident, he said.
He said:
A 36-year-old is currently in custody. He was Tasered here at the scene and arrested 22 minutes after the first call was made to police shortly before 7am this morning.
I want to confirm at present that we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider public and we’re not seeking any other persons.
The incident does not appear to be linked to any act of terrorism.
Updated
Ch Supt Bell says the family are being supported by local specialist officers.
“Everyone at the Met is keeping them in their thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time.”
Updated
Met police says 14-year-old boy injured in Hainault attack has died
The Metropolitan police said a 14-year-old-boy injured in the Hainault attack has died having gone to hospital. Five people were injured in the attack: three members of the public and two police officers.
“It is with great sadness that I confirm that one of those injured in the incident, a 14-year-old boy, has died from their injuries,” Ch Supt Stuart Bell said.
“He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died a short while after.”
• This post has been amended after the Met Police clarified that the boy was 14. Earlier the force said he was 13.
Updated
The police press conference seems to have been delayed a little longer, but we’ll bring you all the latest when it starts.
The Metropolitan police are due to give an update on the Hainault attack in about five minutes. We will have a stream of the press conference at the top of the blog.
The PA news agency has looked at the change in the number of knife crime offences recorded in the capital over recent years, and compared this to other police forces in England.
Knife crime offences in London recorded by the Metropolitan police rose year on year in the latest figures, but have not yet returned to levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
An estimated 14,577 offences were recorded in the 12 months to December 2023, Home Office data shows.
This is up 20% from 12,119 in the previous 12 months, but is slightly below the 14,680 in the year to March 2020.
Of the 49,489 knife crime offences recorded in England and Wales in 2023, 29% were by the Metropolitan police, a higher proportion than any other force.
West Midlands police were second, accounting for 11% of the total (5,324 offences), and West Yorkshire police were third on 5% (2,349).
When looking at the number of offences per population, West Midlands police had the highest rate in 2023, with 180 per 100,000 people, followed by the Metropolitan police (165 per 100,000), then Cleveland police (143 per 100,000) and South Yorkshire police (110 per 100,000).
The Met was one of 23 forces in England and Wales to record a year-on-year increase in knife crime offences in 2023, with 17 recording a decrease and one reporting no change …
The figures do not include Greater Manchester police or the Devon & Cornwall force, due to data issues.
Updated
The X account of the Metropolitan Police Federation – which represents rank-and-file officers in Britain’s largest force – posted this about the Hainault incident earlier today:
Wishing our colleagues and all injured in this horrific incident well. Another sad reminder of the incredible bravery our officers display and the dangers they face to keep the public in London safe day in and day out https://t.co/M2k1pwjwKT
— Metropolitan Police Federation (@MPFed) April 30, 2024
Five people are in hospital and two police officers are said to be among those attacked.
The Metropolitan police’s press conference has been pushed back half an hour to 12:30.
Updated
The Metropolitan police’s statement will be read out by Ch Supt Stuart Bell, who leads policing in the area where the attack took place in Hainault, east London.
Updated
Met police to hold press conference on Hainault attack
The Metropolitan police are going to give an update on the Hainault attack at a press conference at midday. We will give you all the latest as it comes in.
Updated
Teenager among five people injured in Hainault attack - Guardian understands
As we reported earlier, the London ambulance service said five people had been taken to hospital after the attack in Hainault this morning. The Guardian understands that one was a teenager.
Details were not available about how seriously they had been injured.
Updated
Hainault Church, located in Franklyn Gardens, nearby the scene, has issued a statement on Facebook.
Its statement, signed off by Reverend Keith John, read:
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of this morning’s critical incident here in Hainault. We pray for those who have been injured, and for their families.
We are grateful to all the first responders who are dealing with the situation with such professionalism.
And, despite this morning’s tragic incident, we celebrate this friendly, multicultural and vibrant community and we pray for all who live here.
A witness to the incident said he heard shrieking before seeing a man dressed in yellow jumping over some fences at about 7am.
The witness said: “I heard shouting, I heard shrieking – I thought ‘who would be shrieking at this time in the morning?’ The shrieking sounded like the police – you know when they are ordering someone to stop or to get on their knees or something – it was like that. It was like ‘stop where you are, put that down, put that down’ – that kind of thing.
“I looked out the back window because the noise was coming from back there, I saw a bloke dressed in yellow jumping over some fences … then he went down an alley like he was going back onto the street again.
“I saw a policeman and policewoman – normal coppers with the short-sleeved shirts – who chased after him and they were shouting for him to put it down.”
Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for London mayor, has said the attack in Hainault is “deeply concerning”.
This is deeply concerning and my thoughts are with those who have been injured. Thank you to the emergency services for everything you do to keep people safe.https://t.co/MWBhlvcLGD
— Susan Hall AM (@Councillorsuzie) April 30, 2024
Updated
Police investigating whether Hainault attack suspect had 'history of mental ill-health'
The Guardian’s crime correspondent, Vikram Dodd, understands that police were investigating whether the suspect in the Hainault attack had a history of mental ill-health, and that at this early stage, that was a key line of inquiry as to any motive.
The Metropolitan police have only officially confirmed that a 36-year-old man is in custody and that the incident is not thought to be terror-related.
Here are some more images coming from Hainault:
Sky News’ home correspondent Rachael Venables has been reporting from the scene in Hainault and has described a local community traumatised by the attack this morning.
“It’s a really traumatising moment for the local people,” Venables said.
“You can see people stood outside their doors filming the local area as well, speaking, really seeking reassurance while on their own local WhatsApp groups.
“And they speak to neighbours and friends and family trying to work out what happened this morning and whether anyone they know was affected and even injured in this awful attack.”
Here is footage of the alleged attacker in Hainault this morning:
Updated
Rishi Sunak 'shocked' by Hainault attack
The UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has described the attack in Hainault as “shocking” and said that “such violence has no place on our streets”.
The ambulance service said five people have been taken to hospital. Two police officers were reported to be among those who were attacked.
This is a shocking incident. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 30, 2024
I'd like to thank the emergency services for their ongoing response, and pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery shown by police on the scene.
Such violence has no place on our streets. https://t.co/ekaNY9PY7g
Updated
What we know so far...
A man with a sword has been arrested after an attack on members of the public and police officers in Hainault, east London, police have said.
Five people were taken to hospital after the incident, London ambulance service said.
The Metropolitan police said officers were initially called to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Thurlow Gardens.
The force said there were reports of people being stabbed during the incident and the suspect is understood to have gone on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.
A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is in custody, police said.
The Met said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and it is not believed to be terror-related.
A picture of the alleged attacker has been circulating on social media.
Hainault underground station is closed due to a police investigation in the area, Transport for London said.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said he was “absolutely devastated” at hearing of the incident and was in close contact with the Met police commissioner.
Updated
Here is a blurred picture of the alleged attacker in Hainault this morning:
Updated
Five people taken to hospital after Hainault attack, ambulance service says
Five people have been taken to hospital after the attack in Hainault, London ambulance service (LAS) has said.
An LAS spokesperson said in a statement:
We were called at 6.54am this morning to reports of an incident near Hainault underground station.
We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, clinicians in response cars, advanced paramedics and London’s air ambulance.
At this time we understand members of the public and two police officers had been attacked.
Working together with our emergency services partners, we treated five people on the scene and took all five to hospital. All crews have now left the scene.
A 36-year-old man is in custody and police say the incident is not thought to be terrorism-related.
Police say the incident early this morning began in the Thurlow Gardens area, near Hainault station in east London.
Updated
The home secretary, James Cleverly, said he is being regularly updated about the incident in Hainault and thanked emergency responders for responding to the attack.
“I would urge people not to speculate or share footage online and provide relevant information to the police,” he wrote on X.
I am being regularly updated about the incident at Hainault Station this morning
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) April 30, 2024
My thoughts are with those who have been affected & thank you to the emergency responders
I would urge people not to speculate or share footage online and provide relevant information to the police
The Labour leader Keir Starmer described the news coming from Hainault as “awful” and said his thoughts are with the victims.
Awful news coming from Hainault.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 30, 2024
Our thoughts are with the victims. Thankful for the first responders on the scene. https://t.co/H1eCovzqJB
Mayor of London 'absolutely devastated' by Hainault attack
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said he was “absolutely devastated” by the attack in Hainault this morning and thanked the emergency services for “running towards danger”. He said there would be more resources deployed in the area.
In a post on X, he said:
I remain in constant contact with the Commissioner. A man has been arrested and the area secured. The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. There will be additional reassurance patrols in the area.
The police officers and emergency services showed the best of our city – running towards danger to protect others and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
I would urge people not to speculate until the details of this incident are confirmed by the police and avoid posting footage on social media.
My statement on the incident in Hainault this morning. pic.twitter.com/rcH5gFe62g
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) April 30, 2024
Here are some of the latest images from Hainault:
Updated
Local MP advises public against speculation over 'critical incident'
Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary and MP for Ilford North, said the emergency services were responding to a “critical incident” in Hainault.
He advised members of the public to not speculate about what may have happened as details are still emerging of the incident.
In a follow-up post on X, Streeting said he was in contact with the Metropolitan police, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Redbridge council, adding that he would update local residents as soon as he could.
A critical incident has been declared in Hainault. There are station and road closures in place. The Police, Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade are responding.
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) April 30, 2024
One male detained.
I would urge people not to speculate until details are confirmed or post footage on social media.
Updated
The PA news agency has spoken to a man who has described the scene near Hainault station in east London.
Peter Kingdom, 56, an IT analyst from Hainault, said:
As I was walking to the station, I saw an ambulance heading towards the scene and another leaving.
The road was blocked either side of the station entrance and all transport in the area was suspended (Tube and buses). There was a helicopter circling the area.
I didn’t see the man, just the ambulances, police, etc. I wasn’t concerned at first, but was a bit anxious to get back home after finding out what had happened.
Here is the Redbridge Borough Police’s statement in full. They do not believe there is any “ongoing threat” to the wider community and say they are awaiting an update on the condition of the people injured in the “serious incident”.
Police and emergency services are in Hainault at a serious incident in which a man with a sword has been arrested.
— Redbridge MPS (@MPSRedbridge) April 30, 2024
Read and share our latest update below.
We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community - this incident does not appear to be terror-related. pic.twitter.com/M2ljxeBu32
The London fire brigade (LFB) said it was called to assist at the incident in Hainault. A 36-year-old man is in custody and police believe the incident is not terrorism-related.
An LFB spokesperson said:
Firefighters were mobilised to assist police and London ambulance service colleagues at an incident near Hainault underground station.
Crews supported London ambulance service crews in the provision of immediate emergency care.
The brigade was called at 0735 and the incident was over for firefighters by 0924. Fire crews from Dagenham, Walthamstow, Ilford, Romford, Hainault, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
Hainault underground station “is closed due to a police investigation in the area”, Transport for London said, with nearby roads closed and local buses on diversion as police and ambulance arrive at the scene.
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Man with sword arrested after attack on public and police in Hainault, east London
A man with a sword has been arrested after an attack on members of the public and police officers in Hainault.
In a statement, the Metropolitan police said: “Police and other emergency services are in Hainault, east London, at a serious incident in which a man with a sword has been arrested.
“We were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people have been stabbed.
“At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.
“We are awaiting an update on the condition of those injured. A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and he is in custody.”
The Metropolitan police added that officers are not looking for more suspects and the attack “does not appear to be terror related”.
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