A London stabbing incident in Covent Garden left four men injured on Tuesday after a 47-year-old woman allegedly attacked members of the public with a pair of scissors. Metropolitan Police officers arrested the suspect shortly after the incident and said they currently believe it was linked to a mental health crisis.
Emergency services responded to reports of multiple stabbings on Endell Street at around 12:30 BST.
Four Men Taken to Hospital
Police said four men, aged 34, 39, 42 and 52, suffered stab wounds during the incident.
All four were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Two remained in hospital, although their injuries were not considered life-threatening or life-changing. The other two victims were later discharged.
Police continued gathering evidence while supporting the injured men and their families.
Woman Arrested After Attack
Officers arrested the 47-year-old woman on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault.
Police also recovered a pair of scissors believed to have been used during the incident.
At this stage, investigators said there was no indication of terrorism. They believe the incident was isolated and may have been connected to the suspect’s mental health.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
Police Reassure Covent Garden Public
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart praised officers for their rapid response.
Police received several emergency calls and arrived within minutes. Officers quickly detained the suspect and secured the surrounding area.
Stewart also reassured residents, workers and visitors that there was no wider threat to public safety.
Although detectives are still establishing exactly what happened, police said they had found no evidence suggesting the attack was linked to organised crime or terrorism.
Air Ambulance Joins Emergency Response
The incident prompted a significant emergency response across central London.
London’s Air Ambulance landed in Trafalgar Square to support medical teams. Ultimately, all four victims were transported to hospital by road ambulances.
Police established a cordon around Endell Street and nearby High Holborn while forensic officers examined the scene.
The cordon was later removed.
Witnesses Describe Moments of Panic
Witnesses reported scenes of panic as the incident unfolded.
One witness said the woman initially attacked people near the Shaftesbury Theatre before moving along Endell Street.
A nearby business owner also described seeing police arrive shortly after the attacks. Officers quickly detained the suspect and secured the area.
Investigators are continuing to assess witness accounts alongside CCTV footage and other evidence.
Incident Occurs Near St Mungo’s Centre
The attack happened close to a St Mungo’s homeless support centre.
The charity confirmed that it was cooperating with police but said it could not immediately establish whether any clients or staff members were involved.
St Mungo’s expressed sympathy for everyone affected by the incident.
Investigation Into London Stabbing Continues
Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses to establish the full sequence of events.
Police have also increased patrols around the Covent Garden area while inquiries continue.
Anyone who witnessed the London stabbing incident or recorded relevant footage is being urged to contact the Metropolitan Police.
For now, investigators continue to treat the incident as isolated, with no current indication of a wider terrorist threat.
