In an attack in Hainault, north-east London, a man has been detained after crashing a car into a house before injuring several people, including two police officers, with a sword and car. The police were alerted after the vehicle was driven into the house in the early hours of the morning. The Metropolitan Police has stated that the accused went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers. The area around Hainault London Underground station was closed and local buses were diverted while the London Ambulance Service took five people to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the attacker carrying a sword running through the neighbourhood before he was apprehended by the police. Social media clips revealed the attacker running through the streets holding a lengthy sword. Witnesses reported seeing a group attempt to “fight” the attacker and hear a woman scream. One eyewitness stated that there appeared to be a stand-off between the police and the accused in a nearby alleyway before he heard screams. Another witness mentioned seeing the suspect running through the neighbourhood with a sword.
Police have confirmed that the incident did not appear to be a terror-related attack, nor were officers looking for other suspects. However, the event was described as “terrifying” for those who witnessed it by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the bravery of emergency services who responded to the incident. Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that he was “regularly updated” about the incident and thanked the emergency responders for their heroic duty. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added his condolences and thanked the police and emergency services personnel for running to danger to protect others.
Labour MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting praised the heroic police officers who endangered themselves while responding to the assault. He said, “My prayers are with those who’ve been injured and their loved ones. I am liaising closely with the police, the Mayor of London and the London Borough of Redbridge and will keep local residents updated.” Hainault London Underground station has since reopened for operation
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