Hainault stabbing latest: Suspect injured in hospital after child killed in east London sword attack

A man tasered and arrested after multiple stabbings in east London is in hospital but has not yet been interviewed by police, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Giving a statement in Hainault, 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.

“Our thoughts of course remain with the family and friends of the 14-year-old boy who very sadly died here this morning.

“We’re also thinking of the two members of the public who were injured, as well as brave officers who were stabbed.”

Here is another doorbell camera image showing the moments prior to the alleged attacker’s arrest:

Wes Streeting has said that the “thoughts and prayers” of the whole country will be with the family of the 14-year-old boy killed in Hainault this morning.

Noting that “our whole community will be devastated”, the Ilford North MP said: “I can’t imagine what that poor boy’s family are going through, and they have my deepest heartfelt condolences, And I know the thoughts and prayers – not just of this community, but our whole country.

“My prayers are also with the other victims of this horrific attack, and their loved ones. I particularly want to thank the emergency servies, for their courageous response. In particular, the heroic Metropolitan Police officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

“They are the best of us, and I know the injuries sustained by the police officers involve will have really affected our whole Metropolitan Police force, so I want to thank all those officers who are very visible in our community today.”

Stills from doorbell camera footage appear to show police officers detaining the suspect in Hainault.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

“This is an incident which has clearly shocked everyone, and over the coming days you will see a significant police presence in this area,” said Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe.

“We will remaining here, increasing our patrols, and ensuring the community are safe and supported. Please speak to our officers.”

The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in hospital, police have said.

The 36-year-old suffered injuries when his van collided with a building, which have meant that police have so far been unable to interview him, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe told reporters at the scene.

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

Rishi Sunak also paid tribute to the bravery of emergency services who responded to the attack, adding: “Such violence has no place on our streets.”

Another witness, Manpreet Singh, said he saw the police taser the suspect at around 7am after trying to get into a house.

“I just walked out of the office, it was 7am and I heard chaos on the other side of the road,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I saw a group of people, five or six of them, trying to fight off a guy – he had a sword on his hand.”

Mr Singh said one of the people fighting off the suspect was injured while others tried to call the police and ambulance services. The man was heading towards the station and tried to access a house nearby when he was caught.

“He tried to get into one of the houses but couldn’t get into it and that’s when they tasered him,” he added.

Today’s “horrific” incident is “a sad reminder of the incredible bravery our officers display and the dangers they face”, the Metropolitan Police Federation.

“The thoughts of all police officers in London are with the family of the 14-year-old boy who was killed today, and all those injured,” said Rick Prior, chair of the group which represents rank-and-file officers.

“This horrific incident is a sad reminder of the incredible bravery our officers display and the dangers they face to keep the public in London safe, day in and day out.

“It’s often forgotten by people who attack our profession and the difficult and dynamic decisions which officers are confronted with on an hourly basis, that we work with heroes whose courage is incredible.

“We shall be supporting our injured colleagues, the officers they work with and their families as best we can at this very difficult time.”