Hainault sword attack: Man arrested, 13-year-old boy dies in ‘critical’ incident
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: "This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.
Police have arrested one man following ‘critical incident’ in Hainault after a sword attack which so far has claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy.
Footage circulating on social media showed police responders in a residential area of the north east London area, as other unverified footage showed a man wielding a large blade hiding near houses.
The Metropolitan Police said at 9am they were at an incident in the Hainault area and a man had already been arrested.
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.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am absolutely devastated by the news from Hainault this morning.
“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.
By 1pm, the Met confirmed that a 13-year-old boy had died following the attack.
Multiple victims remained in hospital, with five taken overall.
