Police confirm death of 14-year-old in London sword attack after man goes on rampage
Police have confirmed the death of a 14-year-old boy following a sword attack in Hainault, London.
The Metropolitan Police said that the boy was among five people injured and had died of his wounds in hospital.
This update follows the declaring of a critical incident following reports that several people had been stabbed and a man with a sword arrested.
In a statement earlier today the Metropolitan Police said: "Police and other emergency services are in Hainault, east London, at a serious incident in which a man with a sword has been arrested.
“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.
"At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.
“We are awaiting an update on the condition of those injured. A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and he is in custody.”
In a subsequent press conference, Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell confirmed that a 14-year-old boy had died.
He said: "Everyone at the Met is keeping them in their thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time."
Describing the attack as 'horrific', he said that officers were attempting to find out 'the full facts as a priority'.
Police said that the attack does not appear to have been 'terror related' and that a total of five people were wounded.
Two police officers will require surgery, but Bell said their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening at this stage, while two other members of the public were wounded but 'thankfully' they do not appear to be life-threatening.
Speaking further, he said: "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."
The Chief Superintendent declined to comment when asked whether the suspect had previously been arrested, saying he would not be commenting on that until police believed it was appropriate to do so.
London's mayor Sadiq Khan said the attacks were 'devastating' and 'appalling'.
He 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.
"It shows the danger our police officers face every day and I thank them for their bravery."
Joe Harker