KNIFE HORROR
Girl, 11, ‘stabbed eight times’ in Leicester Square released from hospital as suspect’s mum breaks silence
The girl is a tourist on holiday with her mum
AN 11-year-old girl who was stabbed in Leicester Square has been released from hospital - after the suspect's mum broke her silence.
The schoolgirl was put in a headlock and knifed eight times in a random attack in central London, it is alleged.
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She was left with injuries to the face, shoulder, wrist and neck after the horror attack.
But the brave girl from New South Wales, Australia, has now been discharged from hospital.
Ioan Pintaru, 32, is accused of attacking the 11-year-old, who was visiting London with her mum.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with attempted murder.
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Pintaru is also accused of possession of a bladed article in a public place, which the court heard was a steak knife.
The court was told Pintaru allegedly put the girl in a headlock before stabbing her eight times.
Hero passers-by came to the girl's aid, which prevented any further injury, it was said.
Pintaru, who is a Romanian citizen and used a translator, spoke only when asked his name, date of birth and address.
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He was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on September 10.
Yesterday Pintaru's mum Magda Girla revealed she last spoke to her son on the morning of the attack.
Ioan Pintaru in court after girl, 11, visiting London with mum ‘put in headlock &; knifed 8 times in Leicester Square’
She told the : "Please send this message to everybody, I’m deeply sorry for what happened to that little girl.
"I suffer together with her mother and I can’t describe the pain I’m in.
"I’m also a mother and I understand what she must be going through.";
The horror unfolded in the bustling tourist hotspot at around 11.34am on Monday.
The girl's mum, 34, was initially thought to have also been hurt but blood from her daughter's injuries was mistaken for her own.
The family is receiving consular assistance, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
Police said the suspect was not known to either of the victims and the stabbing is not currently being treated as terror-related.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, in charge of policing for Westminster, said: "This is a horrific incident and our thoughts are with the victims and their family.
"We will continue to provide support to them over the coming days and weeks.
"I would like to pay tribute to the members of the public, including staff from local businesses, who bravely intervened in this incident.
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"They put themselves at risk and showed the best of London in doing so.
"An urgent investigation is now ongoing and detectives are working to establish the details around exactly what happened."
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