New Delhi:
A sword-wielding man committed a stabbing attack in London on Tuesday, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring four people before he was tasered and arrested by a female police officer.
A video that went viral on social media platforms showed the moment police tasered and arrested the 36-year-old suspect near Hainaut in east London.
The dramatic 22-second footage shows the female officer approaching the suspect on the street as he tries to run away.
As he turns away from the officer, she immediately uses taser discharges to take him to the ground.
A few seconds later, six officers can also be seen walking towards the suspect, who is then pinned down and arrested.
Moment Suspect in Hainaut attack arrested by police
What a brave policewoman! What do you notice about the police officer with the baton? pic.twitter.com/IgQnbijeMz
WeGotitBack April 30, 2024
Police said he had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was currently in hospital after suffering injuries when his van crashed into a building before the stabbing incident.
Teenager dead and four injured in stabbing attack in London
A 14-year-old boy died and two members of the public and two police officers were in hospital after the man stabbed them with a sword, police said.
Authorities said they were called to a report that a vehicle had crashed into a house in Thurlow Gardens, east London. Video footage on social media showed the suspect walking through the bushes with a large sword after crashing his vehicle into a house.
They also said the incident did not appear to be related to “any terrorist act”.
Chief Inspector Stuart Bell of London's Metropolitan Police said all five victims were taken to hospital.
“It is with great sadness that one of those injured in this incident has died from his injuries,” he told reporters. “He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died a short time afterwards.”
The four people were in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the police officers had stab wounds that required surgery.
King Charles and Rishi Sunak condemn stabbing in London
Britain's King Charles and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to those affected and praised the bravery of emergency services who helped bring the incident under control.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said its “thoughts and prayers” go out to those affected by the attack in Hainaut.
“His thoughts and prayers are with all those affected – especially the family of the young victim who lost his life – and he salutes the bravery of the emergency services who helped bring the situation under control,” the statement said.
It says the king has asked to be “fully informed” as details of the incident become clearer.
Rishi Sunak called the stabbing in London a “shocking incident” and said such violence has no place on the country's streets.
“This is a shocking incident. My thoughts are with those affected and their families. “I would like to thank the emergency services for their continued response and pay tribute to the extraordinary courage shown by police on the scene,” he said.