13-Year-Old Boy Killed, 4 Injured in Sword Attack in East London

A 13-year-old boy has died and four others, including two police officers, were wounded in a sword attack by a 36-year-old man in Hainault, east London on Tuesday morning. The Metropolitan Police were called shortly before 7 AM to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house on Thurlow Gardens, followed by the suspect attacking people with a sword.

Witnesses described a horrific scene, with one saying they saw the suspect strike the 13-year-old boy with the sword. The child was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries. Two other members of the public and the two police officers also suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries and remain hospitalized.

The suspect was arrested at the scene 22 minutes after the initial 999 call. He was Tasered by police during the arrest. The Metropolitan Police have stated the incident does not appear to be terror-related and they are not seeking any other suspects at this time.

Why this matters: The shocking attack in a residential area of London has left a community reeling and raised concerns about violent crime in the city. It comes as the Metropolitan Police recorded a 20% increase in knife crime incidents in London in the 12 months to December 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the incident as "shocking" and said such violence has no place on the streets. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed his devastation over the attack and praised the bravery of the police officers and emergency services who responded.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell confirmed the incident is not thought to be a targeted attack and does not appear to be linked to any act of terrorism. "The events of this morning are truly horrific and I know the community will be feeling shock and concern," he said. The police are providing support to the family of the 13-year-old victim as the investigation into the attack continues.

Key Takeaways

• 13-year-old boy killed, 4 others injured in sword attack in Hainault, London
• Suspect, 36, arrested at the scene and Tasered by police
• Incident not terror-related, no other suspects sought
• London sees 20% increase in knife crime incidents in 2023
• Police and emergency services praised for their response