Teenage boy, 14, killed in “truly horrific” sword attack in London

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene in Hainault, east London, police said on Tuesday, adding that the incident was not being treated as terror-related or a “targeted attack”.

Two police officers were in hospital being treated for stab wounds and needed surgery for non life-threatening injuries.

Amid speculation about the alleged attacker’s previous contact with police, they had not found any trace “despite urgent and extensive checks”, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said.

“As a matter of urgency we’re trying to understand exactly what happened,” Rolfe said.

The London Ambulance Service said emergency workers treated five people and took them to hospital.

The Metropolitan Police said they were called early on Tuesday to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in a residential street and people being stabbed close to the Hainault underground station.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads local policing for the Met’s East Area Command, said a “very serious incident occurred”, with the teenager dying soon after.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured, a 14-year-old boy, has died,” Bell said.

“He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died shortly afterwards.

“The child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.

“Everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time.

“The events of this morning are truly horrific and I cannot begin to imagine how all those affected must be feeling.”

The boy was initially reported to be 13, but police later confirmed he was 14.

Video on British media showed a man in a yellow hoodie holding a long sword or knife walking near houses in the area.

Witnesses say they heard police shouting to the suspect urging him to put down the weapon as they chased after him.

The suspect was Tasered 22 minutes after the first call was made to police, officers said.

Footage of the moment was later released from a doorbell camera.

Local MP Wes Streeting for Ilford North said the community “deserves answers about what happened”.

“The whole community will be devastated,” he said.

“I can’t imagine what that poor boy’s family are going through.”

The suspect was in hospital after being hurt when his van hit the building, and had not yet been questioned, police said.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said they were alerted to a stabbing and sent multiple crews as well as London’s Air Ambulance.

London Fire Service was also deployed.

“This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned,” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said.

“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm. People will want to know what has happened and we will provide more information as soon as we can.”

He added that police do not believe there is a threat to the wider community.

“We are not looking for more suspects,” he said.

”This incident does not appear to be terror-related.”

Police are asking people not to share the “graphic” images online.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan asked locals to send doorbell or mobile phone footage to police if they captured what happened.

He said more officers would be deployed to the area.

“I appreciate how terrifying this was,” Khan said.

King Charles asked to be kept updated, Buckingham Palace said.

“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,” a statement said.

Transport for London said Hainault underground station was closed due to a police investigation in the area.