A 47-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of four men in London’s Covent Garden on Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Endell Street at approximately 12:27 BST, where four men aged 34, 39, 42, and 52 were found with stab wounds. All four victims were transported to a major trauma centre for treatment, with authorities describing the incident as a priority response.
The Metropolitan Police stated the woman was detained on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault, and remains in custody. Investigators have indicated the incident is believed to be a mental health-related matter, with a pair of scissors recovered at the scene.
The London Ambulance Service reported treating all four patients at the location before transferring them to hospital via road and air ambulance. A spokesperson noted that London’s Air Ambulance was dispatched to Trafalgar Square as part of the emergency response.
Incident Details and Response
Emergency crews, including paramedics and incident response officers, arrived within minutes of the initial call. Witness accounts described a stand-off between police and the suspect, with officers reportedly restraining the woman after she was found shouting incoherently. One witness stated the suspect was speaking either in an unfamiliar language or nonsensically when approached by authorities.
The area, a busy tourist hub known for its theatres and entertainment venues, was cordoned off by police as the investigation unfolded. By 3:30 PM local time, roadblocks in the vicinity had been removed, though officers remained on-site.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement confirming the arrest and reiterated that the incident is being treated as a mental health-related event. Authorities have not provided further updates on the victims’ conditions, stating the investigation is at an early stage.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed all four patients were assessed and transported to a major trauma centre as a priority. Their spokesperson emphasized the rapid mobilization of resources, including the deployment of air support.
Context and Background
Stabbings are relatively rare in the UK due to strict firearms regulations, though knife crime remains a persistent issue in urban areas. The incident occurred in one of London’s most densely populated districts, a location frequented by both locals and tourists.
Police have not disclosed additional details about the suspect’s identity or motives beyond the mental health-related assessment. The recovery of scissors at the scene has been noted as a key piece of evidence in the ongoing inquiry.
Emergency services and investigators continue to assess the situation, with further updates expected as the case develops.