Boy, 13, killed, four injured as man wielding sword attacks civilians, police in Hainault, London; arrested

A man armed with a sword has been detained following an assault on civilians and police officers in Hainault, north-east London on Tuesday (Apr 30), police said.

A 13-year-old boy was killed in the attack and four other victims,including two police officers who sustained serious wounds, are hospitalised.

The incident does not appear to be terror-related, Deputy Assistant Commissioner said.

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“Police and other emergency services are in Hainault, east London, at a serious incident in which a man with a sword hasbeen arrested.We were calledshortly before 7 am toreports ofa vehiclebeing driveninto a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people havebeen stabbed,"Metropolitan police statement read.

“At thistimewe understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers. We are awaiting an update on the condition of those injured. A 36-year-old manwas arrestedat the sceneandhe is in custody,”the statement added.

Unverified videos from the incident are making the rounds on social media. In them, a manis seenholding a sword and approaching homes near the location in Hainault.

It'sunclear where exactly the attack this morning took place. The Hainault underground station is closed due to a police investigation in the area, according to Transport for London.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC,"I am absolutely devastated by the news from Hainault this morning. I remain in constant contact with the [Met Police] commissioner. A man hasbeen arrestedandthe area secured."

PM Rishi Sunak wrote on X,"I'dlike to thank the emergency services for their ongoing response and pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery shown by police on the scene. Such violence has no place on our streets.I'dliketo thank the emergency services for their ongoing response and pay tribute to the extraordinary braveryshown by policeon the scene. Such violence has no place on our streets."

(With inputs from agencies)