LONDON — An 11-year-old girl and a 34-year-old woman were stabbed in Leicester Square in central London on Monday, police said.
A man has been arrested and investigators “don’t believe there are any outstanding suspects,” according to London’s Metropolitan Police Service
There is currently no evidence to suggest the incident is terror-related, police said.
The girl and the woman were taken to a hospital, police said, adding in an update that the 11-year-old will require further treatment, although her injures are not considered life-threatening. The 34-year-old woman sustained more minor injures, according to police.
A photograph taken on August 12, 2024 shows police officers standing by a cordoned off area in Leicester square, London.
Benjamin Cremel/AFP via Getty Images
The incident occurred as the U.K. remains on edge after a week of violence as far-right rioters clashed with police. The riots took place across England and Wales and were fueled by far-right activists using social media to spread misinformation.
Those riots follow the deaths of three girls, who were stabbed in a “ferocious” attack during a July 19 dance event in Southport, a seaside town, according to police.
A Police officer stands at the scene in Leicester Square, as a man was arrested with the accusation of stabbing an 11-year-old girl and 34-year-old woman, in London, Aug. 12, 2024.
James Manning/AP
A 17-year-old was arrested and charged with murder in the earlier Southport knife attack, police said. The suspect was from Banks, a coastal village in Lancashire, and was born in Cardiff, Wales, police said.
The Crown Court released the suspect’s name after a judge ruled it could be released despite his age. Although the suspect was born in the United Kingdom, online rumors spread calling into question his immigration status, police said.
In a shocking and disturbing incident, a man has been arrested by the London police after a child and a woman were stabbed in a residential area. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the safety of residents in the area.
The incident took place in the early hours of the morning, when the police received a distress call from a concerned neighbor who reported hearing screams coming from a nearby house. Upon arriving at the scene, the police found a young child and a woman with multiple stab wounds. Both victims were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The police immediately launched an investigation into the incident and began searching for the suspect. After conducting interviews with witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage, they were able to identify and apprehend the suspect within hours of the attack. The man, who is believed to be known to the victims, was taken into custody for questioning.
The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but the police are treating it as a targeted incident rather than a random act of violence. They have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community and that they are working diligently to ensure the safety of residents in the area.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, who are calling for increased police presence and security measures in the neighborhood. Many are questioning how such a horrific attack could happen in their community and are demanding answers from local authorities.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community awareness in ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods. It is crucial for residents to report any suspicious activity to the authorities and to look out for one another in times of need.
As the investigation into this heinous crime continues, our thoughts are with the victims and their families as they recover from this traumatic experience. We can only hope that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.
