Screams of terror as mum and her three daughters stabbed
NEIGHBOURS of a mother and three young children seriously wounded in a knife attack told yesterday how they heard terrible screams coming from the victims’ home.
One described hearing several yells as the woman and her daughters were repeatedly stabbed.
A blood-stained curtain blowing out of an open window in a child’s bedroom yesterday showed the grim aftermath of the attack.
Police raced to the scene in Enfield, north London, after noon on Saturday.
They found the mother, in her 30s, and three girls, all under 12, with serious stab wounds.
Appalling
Neighbours watched as a suspect in a baseball cap was arrested nearby. One said: “The police were here so quickly. They shouted at him, ‘Don’t move!’ and grabbed hold of him.”
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was still in custody last night.
A neighbour said he had heard screams coming from the house, which is in a quiet street. He said: “I was listening to the radio and heard these screams.
“I rushed out the front and loads of people were outside. I saw this girl who lives across the road run over with water and towels to help stop the blood. I saw the woman lying outside as she was treated.
“She looked really bad and her daughter was there too in very bad shape.
“The girl who was helping went back to the house and collapsed into this guy’s arms. It must have been so horrible for her.”
The four victims were rushed to hospital. One of the girls, aged 11, was initially in a critical condition and fighting for her life.
But Scotland Yard said yesterday: “Following intensive treatment at hospital, the woman and all three children are now in a nonlife-threatening condition.” The Yard appealed for information as inquiries into the incident continued.
Detective Sergeant Joe Stewart from Enfield CID said: “This was an appalling attack on a woman and her children. They have sustained very serious injuries.
“Our thoughts are with them as they continue to receive vital treatment.
“Attacks like this on such young people are extremely rare. At this early stage of the investigation, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident. The attacker was known to the victims.” He added: “If you have information about this incident I would urge you to get in touch and speak with investigators.”
The witness, who did not wish to be named, described the mother as “private but friendly”. He said: “She’s a nice person. I believe she’s from Holland originally.
“They are a very private family but any time I’ve spoken to her she’s been really friendly.
“She lives there alone with the kids, I believe. The kids are playful, it’s so sad what’s happened. I really hope they all pull through.”