LONDON — A man wielding a sword attacked members of the public and police officers in a east London suburb Tuesday, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring four others, British authorities said.
A 36-year-old man was arrested in a residential area near Hainault subway station, police said. The incident is not being treated as terror-related or a “targeted attack.”
Police said the 14-year-old died in the hospital from his injuries. Two police officers were in hospital being treated for stab wounds. Two other people were also injured.
Chief Supt. Stuart Bell described the incident as “truly horrific.”
“I cannot even begin to imagine how those affected must be feeling,” he said outside the homes in east London where the crime happened.
The Metropolitan Police said they were called early Tuesday to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in a residential street and people being stabbed.
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.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said 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.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the incident was “shocking,” adding: “Such violence has no place on our streets.”
King Charles III said his thoughts and prayers were with the family of the young victim, and he saluted the courage of emergency workers, Buckingham Palace said.
Transport for London said Hainault station was closed due to a police investigation in the area.
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