Sword attack boy, 14, dies as four injured

A14-year-old boy has died following multiple stabbings in east London as a sword-wielding suspect remains in custody after being tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, of the Metropolitan Police, said four other people were injured in the attack in Hainault, while Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said the suspect is in hospital after sustaining injuries when his van hit a house.

Two Met officers required surgery, with Mr Bell describing their injuries as “significant” but not life-threatening, and injuries to two members of the public are also not deemed to be life-threatening.

The officer said he did not believe it was a targeted attack, and it is not believed to be terror-related.

A 36-year-old man arrested at the scene has not yet been interviewed because of his injuries, the Met said.

Footage obtained by the PA news agency captured the suspect being cornered and tasered by officers on a driveway. The video shows how officers shout at the suspect, saying “Don’t move” after he is brought to the ground by three separate taser discharges.

The words “suspect contained” are heard as a female officer pulls the sword from the attacker.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the King’s “thoughts and prayers are with all those affected”, adding: “In particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life.”

The force was initially called to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house.

At a press conference near the scene, Ch Supt Bell said: “It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured in the incident, a 14-year-old boy, has died from their injuries.”

A neighbour from Laing Close, who saw the attacks, said he could “not stop envisioning the boy’s face”.

James Fernando, 39, said the suspect had asked one of his neighbours to “take the telephone from him to tell whoever was on the phone his location”.

He told PA: “Within two seconds after that she’s realised something isn’t right, started running and he’s pulled a samurai sword from the back of his trouser.

“She’s shouted to the other neighbour – a Nigerian boy. As he’s turned around, he’s struck him.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the incident was “shocking”, adding: “Such violence has no place on our streets.”