A 20-year-old man remains in police custody following a terrifying knife attack that left a woman fighting for her life in the heart of Westminster.
The violent incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the central London community and prompting a major emergency response near some of the capital's most iconic landmarks.
Brazen Daylight Attack
According to Metropolitan Police officials, officers were called to reports of a stabbing at approximately 3:15 PM near Great Peter Street, just moments away from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
Emergency services arrived to find a woman with serious knife wounds, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos and panic as paramedics fought to stabilise the victim at the scene.
Race Against Time
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was rushed to a major trauma centre where medical teams continue to battle to save her life. Police have confirmed her condition remains critical but stable.
"This was a horrific attack on a woman going about her daily business in central London," a police spokesperson stated. "Our thoughts are with her and her family during this traumatic time."
Swift Police Response
Within hours of the attack, detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command had arrested a 20-year-old male on suspicion of attempted murder.
The suspect was taken to a central London police station where he remains in custody for questioning. Forensic teams have been conducting extensive searches of the crime scene throughout the evening.
Community in Shock
Local residents and business owners expressed their horror at the violence erupting in what's typically considered one of London's most secure areas, given its proximity to government buildings and constant police presence.
"You don't expect this right here, especially in broad daylight," one local shopkeeper told reporters. "It's absolutely terrifying for everyone who lives and works around here."
Ongoing Investigation
Police have confirmed this is being treated as an isolated incident with no current evidence suggesting any continuing threat to the wider public.
However, detectives are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with mobile phone footage to come forward as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The investigation continues as forensic experts examine the scene and review CCTV footage from the extensive network of cameras covering the Westminster area.
