Man with sword arrested after multiple people attacked in Hainault

Multiple people were attacked in Hainault this morning (Image: PeteKingdom)

A man with a sword has been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was killed and  multiple residents attacked near Hainault Underground Station.

Officers were initially called to Thurlow Gardens after a vehicle was being driven into a house shortly before 7am this morning (Tuesday, 30 April).

Members of the public and two police officers were then attacked.

Five people have been left in hospital after reports of multiple stabbings.

Police have confirmed a 14-year-old boy was among the victims. He was taken to hospital where he died a short time later.

The condition of the others injured is not yet known.

Witnesses described shrieking at the scene.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.

Hainault underground station is closed for investigation work.

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.”

Officers aren’t looking for anyone else and are not – at this stage – linking it to terrorism.

Police are at an incident in the Hainault area.

Please follow the instructions of police officers on the ground.

A man has been arrested.

— Redbridge MPS (@MPSRedbridge) April 30, 2024

In an updated statement this afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said: “The 36-year-old man arrested at the scene is currently in hospital, having suffered injuries when his van collided with a building. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder. At this time, given his injuries, we have been unable to interview him.

“We know there is speculation about his background, including police contact with him.
Despite urgent checks of our system today we have found no trace of a prior incident involving him so far, but we will of course continue to make those enquiries.

“As a matter of urgency we are trying to understand exactly what happened and why.
This was, and is, a fast-moving, complex incident and investigation, and it will take us some time to establish the facts. This will be our priority in the coming days.

“With the suspect in custody we are satisfied there is no threat to the wider community, but this is an incident which has clearly shocked everyone, and over the coming days you will see a significant police presence in this area and we will be remaining here increasing our patrols and ensuring the community are safe and supported.”