A 19-year-old Norwegian national of Somali origin has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a knife attack in Russell Square, central London, which left a US citizen dead and five others injured.
Police believe the attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening, was spontaneous and that victims were selected at random. The deceased woman is thought to be in her 60s. The injured individuals are from Britain, America, Israel, and Australia; none of their injuries are life-threatening.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that while terrorism was initially considered, the investigation increasingly points to mental health issues as the trigger. Armed police responded within six minutes and apprehended the suspect in Bedford Place.
The US ambassador to the UK, Matthew Barzun, expressed condolences. Norwegian police confirmed the suspect emigrated from Norway in 2002 and are assisting London police. Searches have been conducted at addresses in north and south London.
Witnesses described seeing the suspect with a knife and blood on his hands, fleeing despite police orders to stop. London Mayor Sadiq Khan cut short his holiday to address the incident.
