A 14-year-old boy has died and four others taken to hospital after members of the public and police officers were attacked in Hainault by a man wielding a sword in Hainault, northeast London.
Officers were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area, with reports that people had been stabbed.
Four people remain in hospital with injuries believed not to be life-threatening. Both police officers have “significant injuries” and will require surgery, the Metropolitan Police said.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested and police said they were not looking for further suspects. The incident did not appear to be terror-related, nor is there believed to be an ongoing threat to the wider community, police said.
One man spoke of how the suspect was involved in a stand-off with police in an alleyway in the Thurlow Gardens area, before hearing a “huge commotion” and a woman screaming.
“This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned. I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan.
Key Points
Boy, 14, killed in Hainault attack
Two ‘seriously injured’ police officers among four in hospital
Man, 36, arrested after suspect seen wielding sword
Suspect Tasered and arrested 22 minutes after first call to police
Met Police issue updated statement
King ‘salutes courage’ of emergency services
15:17 , Andy Gregory
King Charles has saluted the courage of the emergency responders who helped contain the situation in Hainault this morning.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Following the horrific scenes in Hainault this morning, the King has asked to be kept fully informed as details of the incident become clearer.
“His thoughts and prayers are with all those affected – in particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life – and he salutes the courage of the emergency services who helped contain the situation.”
Hainault stabbing ‘devastating and appalling,’ says Sadiq Khan
15:03 , Andy Gregory
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was “absolutely devastated” by the attack in Hainault and thanked the emergency services for their response to the incident.
My colleague Oliver Browning reports:
Hainault stabbing ‘devastating and appalling,’ says London mayor Sadiq Khan
Boy killed in attack was 14 years old, police say
14:51 , Andy Gregory
The teenage boy killed in the attack was 14 years old, the Metropolitan Police force has said, having spoken to the boy’s family.
Detectives had previously said he was 13 years old.
Residents says attacker was tasered in his garden
14:43 , Tom Watling
A resident in Thurlow Gardens, who wished to remain anonymous, has said the attacker was tasered in his garden.
They said the attacker jumped over the fence before being held down by police, and the householder had submitted CCTV to the authorities.
The resident’s neighbour, who also wanted to remain anonymous, witnessed the arrest, saying: “I heard police sirens and then the car stopped here for three seconds, which was a bit odd. I opened the door and I could see armed police officers.
“I saw a gentleman, a white guy, running, being chased by the police.
“He went into that driveway and he was being tasered, being told to stop, then he jumped into that other neighbour’s driveway there.
“He was being tasered, went to the floor with all the armed police officers around and he was subdued there for half an hour.
“I think he mentioned something about God and attempted murder. He was quite resisting.”
Local MP Wes Streeting urges citizens with information on the attack to come forward
14:32 , Tom Watling
Ilford North MP Wes Streeting has demaded answers for why this attack took place, urging citizens with information to come forward to the police.
Mr Streeting said: “Our whole community will be devastated by the heartbreaking news that a 13-year-old boy was killed in the horrific sword attack in Hainault this morning that saw four others injured, including two Metropolitan Police officers.
“I can’t imagine what that poor boy’s family are going through and they have my deepest, heartfelt condolences. My prayers are also with the other victims of this horrific attack and their loved ones.
“I want to thank the emergency services for their courageous response, particularly the heroic Metropolitan Police officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. They are the best of us.
“I know there will be widespread fear and alarm in our community, but the police have made an arrest and are not looking for any other suspects. I am grateful to the police for their visible and reassuring presence in Hainault today.
“I remain in close contact with the police, the mayor of London and the London Borough of Redbridge and will keep local residents updated.
“Our community deserves answers about what happened. It is vital that we give the police space to do their work. Anyone with any information or footage should provide this directly to the police via 101 and I would urge people to refrain from speculating while we wait for the facts to emerge.”
Sadiq Khan describes Hainault stabbing as “devastating” after 13-year-old boy killed
14:30 , Tom Watling
Footage shows moment after the attack
14:20 , Tom Watling
Footage has shown a man in a yellow jumper chasing after an ambulance while holding a sword as a body lies motionless on the ground.
The home security video shows an ambulance parked next to the body lying on the road in Laing Close before the ambulance quickly drives away from the scene and the man runs after it, shouting.
In another video clip, a police car arrives before the man verbally confronts the police and shouts “is there anybody here who believes in God?” while standing next to the motionless body.
A voice is heard shouting “drop the sword” before a police officer approaches the man and sprays a substance in his direction before he retreats.
In another clip, a person is heard shouting that someone has been “stabbed in the head” and to “go get him”.
Hainault stabbing: Everything we know as man with sword arrested and five in hospital
14:10 , Tom Watling
A 13-year-old boy was killed and four others were hospitalised on Tuesday morning after a man wielding a sword launched an attack near a north east London tube station, police have said.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 7am to reports that a car had driven into a house and that several people had been stabbed near Hainault station.
Everything we know about the Hainault tube station stabbing
Hainault sword attack witness describes moment police arrest suspect
14:03 , Tom Watling
Local resident describes hearing screaming early this morning
14:00 , Tom Watling
A local resident has described hearing screaming and shouting early this morning before seeing police cordoning off a nearby road.
New North Road resident Ray Leigh Mason, 44, told the PA news agency: “I heard a shout, something along the lines of ‘there’s nothing you can do mate’, then screaming.
“The shouting must’ve been around 06.50am and at the time of it occurring, I wrongly assumed it was neighbours arguing, which quite often happens at all hours.
“I should’ve been up earlier and likely would be outside as it happened, but I stayed in bed an extra 15 minutes.
“I looked out of the window to see the police arriving and cordoning off the road. I was told to stay inside, which I did for some time. I then needed to leave for work but with the station closed, I was escorted away down New North Road and needed to walk to Fairlop station.”
Here are some of the latest photos coming from Hainault
13:50 , Tom Watling
Below are some of the latest photos coming from Hainault as police officers and forensic investigators sweep the area.
Below is a statement in full from the Met Police
13:42 , Tom Watling
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads local policing for the Met’s East Area Command, said: “You will be aware that a very serious incident occurred here this morning with police and the London Ambulance Service deployed to a number of casualties.
“It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured, a 13-year-old boy, has died. He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died shortly afterwards.
“The child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers. Everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time.
“The events of this morning are truly horrific and I cannot begin to imagine how all those affected must be feeling.
“My thoughts are with the injured, their families and the wider community as we all begin to come to terms with what has happened.
“I know that there is an understandable desire for answers and an explanation about what happened. Our investigation is in its very early stages and my officers are working to establish the full circumstances as a priority.
“A 36-year-old man is currently in custody. He was Tasered and arrested 22 minutes after the first call to police was received shortly before 7am.
“I want to reiterate that at present we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community, we are not looking for more suspects and this incident does not appear to be terror-related.
“We know now that during the incident five people were injured, three members of the public and two police officers.”
Mayor of London issues update on attack
13:36 , Tom Watling
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has issued an update on the Hainault attack.
“This attack is devastating and appalling, and I am sure I speak on behalf of the entire city when I say our thoughts and prayers are with this young child and their family. It breaks my heart,” he said.
“The police and emergency services are responding very quickly to calls from members of the public.
“The police and emergency services were well aware this was a dangerous man with a sword. They ran towards him, not thinking about their own safety to protect members of the public. I thank them for their bravery.”
He said two civilians were wounded and two police officers were seriously injured, and are now in surgery.
He added that the police are not treating this as a terrorist incident.
Neighbours recount ‘shocking’ moment they saw young boy wounded on the floor
13:32 , Tom Watling
Neighbours have told The Independent they saw a young boy lying on the floor surrounded by the police getting treatment at the scene of the attack.
He said: “I saw the boy on the road as I was getting ready to go to work. He looked young. It was very shocking. I knew it was a young person only because of the size of him.
“The police and ambulance were pushing on his chest doing CPR on him. It is so sad the whole community is shocked.”
Another neighbour was in mourning leaving the scene.
Through tears, she said: “He’s dead. He lived opposite me, I didn’t really know him but now he’s died.”
Watch: Police give update as 13-year-old boy killed in Hainault stabbing
13:24 , Tom Watling
Police confirmed a 13-year-old boy injured in the Hainault sword attack on Tuesday, 30 April, has died.
The young boy was taken to hospital after being stabbed and died a short time after, Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell said.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested and officers are not searching for other suspects.
Authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public and the incident did not appear to be terror-related, he added.
Officers were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Thurlow Gardens area.
Witnesses spoke of shrieks and screams following reported stabbings and attacks on police officers.
Watch: Police give update as 13-year-old boy killed in Hainault stabbing
Full report: Boy, 13, dead after east London stabbing, police say
13:16 , Andy Gregory
Our crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin has this breaking report with the details from the Metropolitan Police press conference in Hainault, which you can refresh for updates:
Boy, 13, dead after sword attack in east London, police say
Suspect Tasered and arrested 22 minutes after first call to police
13:10 , Andy Gregory
A 36-year-old was Tasered and arrested 22 minutes after the first call was made to police, shortly before 7am, said Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell.
There is no threat to the wider public and no one else is being sought in connection with this morning’s events.
There does not appear to be linked to any act of terrorism.
Police pledge to establish ‘full facts’ of ‘truly horrific’ attack
13:08 , Andy Gregory
Police have pledged to establish the “full facts” of the “truly horrific” incident in Hainault this morning, in which a 13-year-old boy has been killed and four others injured.
“The events of this morning are truly horrific and I cannot even begin to imagine how those affected must be feeling,” Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell told reporters in Hainault.
“My thoughts are with the injured, their families, and the wider community as we all begin to come to terms with what has happened, and try to understand what has happened here.
“I know that there will be – clearly and understandably – a desire for answers and an explanation. Our investigation is in its very early stages and my officers are working right now to establish the full facts as a priority. We will share what we can when we can with the wider community.”
Injured police require surgery as four in hospital
12:57 , Andy Gregory
Two members of the public remain in hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Two police officers are also in hospital. Both require surgery but their injuries are also not believed to be life threatening, said Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell.
Boy, 13, killed in attack
12:55 , Andy Gregory
A 13-year-old boy has died from their injuries, police have said.
He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and died a short time after, said Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell.
Neighbours hail police officer who tried to stop alleged attacker
12:28 , Barney Davis
Neighbours hailed the actions of a female police officer who tried to stop the alleged attacker.
Robert Harrison, 71, who was woken by screaming outside his house on New North Road, told The Independent that he heard a man who was “really agitated shouting and swearing” and that “loads of people came out to have a go at him”.
“There was a policewoman by herself trying to stop him,” he said, adding: “He lunged towards her and she sprayed him with something. She was trying to stop him from getting to the train station.”
What are the latest figures on knife crime in London?
12:19 , Ian Jones, PA
Knife crime offences in London recorded by the Metropolitan Police rose year on year in the latest figures, but have not yet returned to levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some 14,577 offences were recorded in the 12 months to December 2023, Home Office data shows.
This is up 20 per cent from 12,119 in the previous 12 months, but is slightly below the 14,680 in the year to March 2020.
Of the 49,489 knife crime offences recorded in England and Wales in 2023, 29 per cent were by the Metropolitan Police, a higher proportion than any other force.
Police statement delayed
12:05 , Andy Gregory
An expected update from the Metropolitan Police at the scene of the stabbing in Hainault has been delayed.
Police were due to give a statement at midday, which is now expected to potentially come at 12:30pm.
Moment man wields sword as seven people injured in Hainault stabbing
11:55 , Andy Gregory
Eyewitness footage shows a man wielding a sword in Hainault on Tuesday.
My colleague Lucy Leeson has more on the footage here.
Latest images from the scene at Hainault
11:41 , Andy Gregory
Here are the latest pictures from the scene at Hainault:
Local resident describes watching ‘surreal’ attack unfold
11:33 , Andy Gregory
One local resident told The Independent they woke up to “the sound of a huge crash” caused by “a van that had driven straight into the side of the house opposite” his.
He described watching the events unfold and seeing “people running and screaming”, adding: “It’s all so surreal for a Tuesday morning.
“I was in my house watching out my window the whole time so I never personally felt worried but kids were on the way to school and my neighbours were on the way to work.”
Suspect ‘Tasered after trying to enter house’
11:29 , Andy Gregory
The suspect was Tasered by police, an eyewitness has claimed.
“There was about seven or eight police cars entering that road and after another 10 minutes, I saw the guy running towards the station and entered the road opposite the station,” he told Radio 5 Live.
“He tried to get into one of the houses but couldn’t get into it and that’s when they Tasered him.”
Sunak hails ‘bravery’ of emergency services
11:00 , Andy Gregory
Rishi Sunak has paid tribute to the bravery of emergency services who responded to the attack in Hainault.
Speaking at the Society of Editors conference in central London, he said: “I’d like to give my thanks to the emergency teams that are responding and to pay tribute to their bravery.”
Wes Streeting praises ‘heroic’ response to attack
10:57 , Andy Gregory
Local MP Wes Streeting said: “I want to thank the emergency services for their response to the horrific incident in my constituency this morning, particularly the heroic Metropolitan Police officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. They are the best of us.
“My prayers are with those who’ve been injured and their loved ones. I know there will be widespread fear and alarm in our community, but the police have made an arrest and are not looking for other suspects.
“I am liaising closely with the police, the mayor of London and the London Borough of Redbridge, and will keep local residents updated.”
Five hospitalised after Hainault attack
10:33 , Andy Gregory
Five people have been taken to hospital after the attack in Hainault.
“We were called at 6.54am this morning to reports of an incident near Hainault underground station,” a London Ambulance Servicespokesperson said.
“We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, clinicians in response cars, advanced paramedics and London’s air ambulance.
“At this time we understand members of the public and two police officers had been attacked.
“Working together with our emergency services partners, we treated five people on the scene and took all five to hospital. All crews have now left the scene.”
Witness describes ‘stand-off in alley between police and attacker’
10:27 , Andy Gregory
A witness to the Hainault attacks said there appeared to be a stand-off between police and the suspect in an alleyway before he heard a woman scream.
The man, who asked not to be named, said: “I also heard the words ‘he’s got a massive knife’, or ‘he’s got a massive sword’. Then he disappeared down this alley and then he was out of sight.
“They [the police] went into the alley and there seemed to be some sort of a stand-off there where I heard this huge commotion, then I heard a scream.
“From that commotion at least one person was knifed – I think it might have been a woman because I heard a woman scream and then some sort of sobbing sounds.
“I then heard a voice say something like ‘she’s been stabbed in the face’ or ‘we need assistance’ – you know, calling for medical back-up.”
What we know so far about ‘terrifying’ Hainault incident
10:22 , Andy Gregory
Here is a quick round-up of what we know so far about the incident in northeast London this morning:
Police were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a home on Thurlow Gardens, near Hainault Tube station. There were reports that people had been stabbed.
The suspect is thought to have gone on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.
Police are awaiting an update on the conition of those injured.
A 36-year-old man was arrested with a sword at the scene and is in custody.
Hainault Tube station and the surrounding roads were closed as police investigate.
The attack does not appear to be terror-related and there is not believed to be an ongoing threat to the wider community, police have said.
Sadiq Khan thanks emergency service for ‘running towards danger’
10:17 , Andy Gregory
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was “absolutely devastated” by the attack in Hainault and thanked the emergency services for “running towards danger”.
He said: “I remain in constant contact with the Commissioner. A man has been arrested and the area secured. The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. There will be additional reassurance patrols in the area.
“The police officers and emergency services showed the best of our city – running towards danger to protect others and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“I would urge people not to speculate until the details of this incident are confirmed by the police and avoid posting footage on social media.”
Home secretary being updated on Hainault incident
10:08 , Andy Gregory
Home secretary James Cleverly has said he is receiving regular updates about the incident in Hainault.
“I am being regularly updated about the incident at Hainault Station this morning,” said Mr Cleverly.
“My thoughts are with those who have been affected & thank you to the emergency responders I would urge people not to speculate or share footage online and provide relevant information to the police.”
I am being regularly updated about the incident at Hainault Station this morning
My thoughts are with those who have been affected & thank you to the emergency responders
I would urge people not to speculate or share footage online and provide relevant information to the police
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) April 30, 2024
Video report: Police attend ‘critical incident’ amid reports of stabbing near Hainault Tube station
10:00 , Andy Gregory
Witness says he was woken by shouting to see someone being stabbed
09:59 , Barney Davis
A witness told The Independent: “I was woken up by loud shouting outside and then I saw someone stab another kid.
“Then police arrived like crazy. The young man made his way towards the station and I’m not sure what happened there.
“I couldn’t really hear what was being said to be honest. He had a big sword though and was right outside my door.
“I’m just lucky my mum’s okay. She was about to leave for work.”
On one of the alleged victims, he added: “It was young man. He lives around the corner and was probably off to school.”
You can also refresh our breaking report below for updates:
‘Critical incident’ after reports of stabbing at Hainault tube station
Incident not believed to be terror-related, police say
09:56 , Andy Gregory
Police do not believe the incident is terror-related and there is not thought to be any further threat to the wider community.
In their statement, Scotland Yard said: “We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community.
“We are not looking for more suspects. This incident does not appear to be terror-related.”
At least six fire crews scrambled to assist police and paramedics
09:55 , Andy Gregory
The London Fire Brigade said it was called to assist the incident in Hainault.
“Firefighters were mobilised to assist police and London Ambulance Service colleagues at an incident near Hainault Underground Station,” it said in a statement.
“Crews supported London Ambulance Service crews in the provision of immediate emergency care.
“The Brigade was called at 7.35am and the incident was over for firefighters by 9.24am.
“Fire crews from Dagenham, Walthamstow, Ilford, Romford, Hainault, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.”
Van ‘ploughed into house’, witness says
09:51 , Barney Davis
One neighbour said he was woken up when a van “ploughed into the house” opposite him.
He told The Independent that he had heard his neighbour “moaning and crying that someone had been hurt or even worse”.
“I jumped out of bed and have seen the van reverse out of the house. It drove up the road, where I believe he attacked someone else. It’s really bad,” he said.
Incident ‘must have been terrifying’, says police chief
09:46 , Andy Gregory
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.
“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm.
“People will want to know what has happened and will we provide more information as soon as we can.”
Police officers among those believed to have been attacked
09:45 , Andy Gregory
A suspect wielding a sword is believed to have attacked several members of the public and two police officers, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Police 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.
Police called to reports of vehicle being driven into a house
09:42 , Andy Gregory
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area.
There were reports that people had been stabbed, the force said.
Man with sword allegedly ‘waited outside houses’ and attacked ‘random residents’
09:40 , Amy-Clare Martin, Crime Correspondent
Footage posted on social media following the incident shows a man carrying what appears to be a samurai sword.
According to the unverified posts, the attacker “waited outside houses and attacked random residents”.
The footage shows the man – wearing a yellow jumper and black trousers – waiting in people’s front gardens with the weapon as emergency services cars were nearby.
09:39 , Andy Gregory
A man has been arrested in Hainault, northeast London, following reports of a stabbing and car being driven into a building.
We’ll be using this blog to bring you the latest updates.
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