Hainault updates — Sword-wielding man arrested as boy, 14, killed in horror attack
A 14-year-old boy was killed today following a horror sword attack in Hainault, east London.
The teen died after five people, including two police officers, were knifed in a terrifying frenzy.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on the scene.
"My thoughts are with the injured, their families and the wider community," said Commander Stuart Bell in a press conference.
A Met statement said: “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."
The remaining victims are not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.
Follow our live below for the latest news and updates...
Police address 'speculation' over suspect's background
In their latest update, police have addressed "speculation" over the suspect's background.
Officers have said that they've not found any evidence of previous convictions following "urgent and extensive checks".
Footage captures moment sword attacker flees through gardens
This is the moment a sword attacker attempted to flee through gardens in a police chase after he allegedly killed a boy, 14, and injured four others.
Horror footage showed the terrifying scenes unfolding near Hainault Tube Station this morning.
Buckingham Palace releases statement
In a statement released today, Buckingham Palace 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.”
'No ongoing threat'
Commander Bell said: "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.
"We do not believe this to be a targeted attack and we are establishing the circumstances at the moment."
'I am committed to providing answers'
Turning to the families of those injured, Ch Sup Bell told reporters at today's conference: "I know the families of those involved, the local and wider community and many across London will want to know why this terrible incident occurred.
"It's our job to find out - and we will.
"I am committed to providing those answers when we can and I would ask for some patience while this important work is carried out."
Police confirms boy killed was 14
Police have now confirmed that the teenage boy who was killed was 14-years-old.
The teen died after five people, including two police officers, were knifed in a terrifying frenzy.
'Everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts'
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell said: "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.
"He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died a short while after.
"The child's family are being supported firstly by my local officers and now with some specialist officers and everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time."
Keir Starmer responds to ‘awful incident’
Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to X following today’s shocking attack.
He wrote: “Awful news coming from Hainault.
“Our thoughts are with the victims. Thankful for the first responders on the scene.”
What we know so far...
- Cops raced to Hainault around 7am after car driven into house
- Reports of five stabbed - including two cops
- Hainault Tube Station closed around 7.30am
- Shocking videos show sword-wielding man on street
- Suspect, 36, arrested and remains in custody
- Ambulance say five people raced to hospital
- Boy, 13, confirmed dead
Sadiq Khan shares thoughts and prayers with victim's family
London's Mayor has issued a message of support following the death of a 13-year-old boy today.
Sadiq Khan said: “I'm sure I speak for the entire city when I say our thoughts are with this young child and his family.
“It breaks my heart not only that this child has lost his life, but two members of our emergency services have risked their own safety to make sure others weren't injured."
Suspect was Tasered at the scene
The 36-year-old man arrested today was Tasered at the scene, police confirmed.
Commander Stuart Bell 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."
Home Secretary: Attack 'appaling' and 'heartbreaking'
James Cleverly has branded today's attack which killed a 13-year-old boy "appalling."
Taking to X, he wrote: "To hear the 13-year-old victim of this morning’s appalling attack in Ilford has died is heartbreaking.
"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."
Attack 'truly horrific' as boy, 13, killed
Commander Stuart Bell described the incident this morning as "truly horrific".
"I cannot even begin to imagine how those affected must be feeling," he said.
"My thoughts are with the injured, their families and the wider community as we all begin to come to terms with what has happened and try to understand what has happened here.
"I know that there will be clearly and understandably a desire for answers and an explanation to what happened.
"Our investigation is in its very early stages and my officers are working right now to establish the full facts as a priority."
Other victims' injuries 'not life-threatening'
Chief Supt Stuart Bell confirmed that 3 civilians and two police officers were injured in today's attack.
One of the victims has been confirmed dead.
The remaining victims are not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.
13-year-old boy killed in horror Hainault attack
Speaking in a press conference today, police confirmed that a 13-year-old boy was killed in today's horror attack.
He was taken to hospital but later died of his wounds.
"My thoughts are with the injured, their families and the wider community," said Chief Supt Stuart Bell.
Witness saw man 'covered in blood'
One local told The Sun he saw a man standing by his front door covered in blood as he made his way to the Tube.
Peter Rollison said: "I live in Laing Close and made my way to Hainault Station this morning.
"There were a lot of police cars around the corner from me. I stopped from a distance to look at all the commotion, then continued with my journey.
"There was a man in his home with his door open, his hand and arm covered in blood.
"I got to the station and TFL staff were talking and clearly shaken. They said a man was running around with a sword.
"As I left them I heard them mention someone had been stabbed in the neck.
"I made my way back home as I couldn't leave my family. I had to ask permission to get to my home as it was part of a cornered off area.
"There were helicopters in the area for quite a while."
Press conference delayed
The police press conference due to take place at 12pm has been delayed.
Police set to provide update
Police are expected to provide an update at midday today.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell will be reading a statement shortly.
Moment man is arrested after ‘attacking five'
This is the dramatic moment a man is arrested after allegedly attacking five people including two cops in a sword rampage.
In terrifying scenes near to Hainault Tube Station this morning, cops hauled a suspected swordsman to the ground and cuffed him following a frenzy which left locals horrified.
What we know so far...
- Cops raced to Hainault around 7am after car driven into house
- Reports of multiple people stabbed - including two cops
- Hainault Tube Station closed around 7.30am
- MP Wes Streeting announces 'critical incident'
- Shocking videos show sword-wielding man on street
- Suspect, 36, arrested and remains in custody
- Ambulance confirm five people raced to hospital
Susan Hall responds to 'deeply concerning' attack
Conservative Mayoral candidate Susan Hall has shared her support for the victims of today's attack.
Susan Hall said: "This is deeply concerning and my thoughts are with those who have been injured.
"I am grateful to the emergency services for responding to this incident so quickly and for all the work they do to keep people safe.
"I would urge people not to speculate about the incident on social media and I would encourage any witnesses to contact the police."
PM speaks out after shocking attack
Rishi Sunak has shared his support for those affected by today's shocking attack in Hainault.
Taking to X, he wrote: "This is a shocking incident. My thoughts are with those affected and their families.
"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."
'I heard shrieking'
A witness recounts hearing "shouting" and "shrieking" in Hainault amid this morning's shocking attack.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, told PA: "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."
Five people taken to hosptial
A spokesperson for London Ambulance Service said today: "We were called at 6.54am this morning to an incident near Hainault Underground Station.
"We sent multiple resources to the scene.
"Working together with our emergency services partners, we treated five people and took all five to hospital.
"Our crews have now left the scene."
Sadiq Khan 'absolutely devastated'
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was "absolutely devastated" following today's shocking attack.
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.
"If you have any information at all, please contact the police urgently on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111. There is no honour in staying silent.
"Those affected in the local area, including witnesses, can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111."