A 47-year-old woman is in police custody following a stabbing in Covent Garden on Wednesday afternoon (August 5) in which four men were injured. The Metropolitan Police described the attack as an "isolated, mental health" incident.
Arrest and injuries
The woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault. A pair of scissors was seized at the scene. Two men are being treated in hospital for injuries that are not life-threatening or life-changing, while two others have been discharged.
The injured men were aged 34, 39, 42 and 52. The incident took place on Endell Street, a busy area filled with bars, theatres and restaurants.
Police response
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in the area, said: "Officers responded within minutes of this incident after receiving a number of reports. While still at an early stage of the investigation, we would like to reassure the community that we currently believe this to be an isolated, mental-health related incident."
A visible police presence remains in the area while evidence is gathered. Witnesses described the victims as "random people who were just walking by". Arjan Gjorga, a fish and chip shop manager, said: "She just started stabbing random people. I didn't see any scissors, but I heard it was with small scissors."
Witness accounts
Matt Bishop, who works nearby, said he saw a woman having a "stand-off" with three police officers and waving a weapon. "She didn't seem to be particularly coherent," he said.
St Mungo's homeless charity, which works in the area, said: "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this distressing incident." An air ambulance landed in Trafalgar Square, but the London Ambulance Service treated all four patients at the scene and took them to a major trauma centre by road.
