The short version
- A 47-year-old woman is in custody after four men were stabbed with scissors in central London.
- Two victims remain hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while two others have been discharged.
- Authorities characterize the event as an isolated occurrence related to mental health issues rather than a targeted attack.
A violent episode unfolded in the heart of London’s Covent Garden district on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of a woman and injuries to four men. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that emergency services responded to reports of stabbings on Endell Street around midday. Officers arrived within minutes of receiving multiple calls from the public, securing the scene and detaining a 47-year-old suspect who remains in custody.
The victims, identified as men aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were all transported to a major trauma center for evaluation. Medical personnel treated four patients at the scene before moving them by road. As of the latest updates, two of the men are still receiving care for injuries that medical staff do not consider life-threatening or likely to cause long-term disability. The other two individuals have been released from hospital care.
The suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon, which witnesses identified as a pair of scissors. The attack appears to have begun near the Shaftesbury Theatre before moving down Endell Street, a busy thoroughfare known for its restaurants and bars. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where the woman allegedly targeted individuals at random, causing panic among pedestrians and staff in nearby businesses.
Local business owners and residents provided accounts of the events leading up to the arrest. One witness noted seeing the woman stab three people near the theatre before proceeding down the street where police were already present. Another observer reported that one victim ran into a nearby barber shop, visibly distressed, to call for help. Workers inside assisted him in contacting authorities while he revealed a significant wound on his back.
Arjan Gjorga, who manages a fish and chip shop on Endell Street, stated that the woman involved is a familiar figure in the neighborhood. He described her as someone who frequently walks the street asking for assistance and visits a local church. According to Gjorga, the attack seemed unprovoked and directed at strangers, with police reacting swiftly to neutralize the threat. Other locals echoed this sentiment, noting that the woman had been seen engaging in erratic behavior previously.
Andrea, a manager at a restaurant on the same street, recounted seeing patrons continue their meals despite the proximity of the police cordon. He mentioned that the suspect had recently been involved in an altercation where she threw a bottle of alcohol outside his establishment. This history of disruptive behavior may inform investigators’ understanding of the incident’s context, though no formal charges have yet been filed beyond the initial arrest suspicions.
Ch Supt Jason Stewart, who oversees policing in the area, emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages. He assured the public that authorities currently view the stabbing as an isolated event connected to mental health concerns rather than a broader security threat. A visible police presence will remain in Covent Garden while forensic teams collect evidence and interview witnesses.
The London Ambulance Service deployed multiple units, including paramedics in fast-response vehicles and an incident response officer, to manage the crisis. Although the London Air Ambulance landed nearby in Trafalgar Square as part of the emergency protocol, all patients were transported via ground transport. By mid-afternoon, the police cordon had been removed, and normal activity resumed in the area.
St Mungo’s, a homeless support organization with a center on Endell Street, stated they could not confirm if any of their clients were involved in the incident. They expressed sympathy for those affected and noted cooperation with emergency services. The organization declined to speculate on the suspect’s background or connection to their facilities.
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on gathering physical evidence and reviewing witness statements to build a comprehensive picture of the attack. The swift response by law enforcement prevented further harm, and the community has been urged to remain vigilant but calm. No additional arrests have been made, and police have not indicated any ongoing danger to the public.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Woman arrested after four men stabbed in London’s Covent Garden
- BBC News↗Woman arrested after four stabbed in central London
