The individual who stabbed a mother and her 11-year-old daughter in Leicester Square was a stranger to them, according to police. The Metropolitan Police have arrested a 32-year-old man, believed to be the sole suspect, following the daylight attack in the popular tourist area on Monday.
Scotland Yard detectives do not think the attacker knew the victims and are investigating his motive and the events leading up to the incident. At this time, authorities state there is no indication that the attack was terror-related.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah called the incident ‘horrific’ and commended the public and nearby staff who intervened bravely. Abdullah, a 29-year-old shop security guard at TWG Tea, was among those who attempted to help the schoolgirl during the attack. He described hearing a scream and seeing a man in his 30s stabbing a child. Abdullah tackled the assailant, disarmed him, and held him down until police arrived.
UPDATE: Detectives investigating the stabbing of an 11-year-old girl in Leicester Square yesterday have charged 32-year-old Ioan Pintaru with attempted murder.
He will appear at court later this morning. https://t.co/iIb6o99gcT
— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) August 13, 2024
The victims, an 11-year-old girl and her 34-year-old mother, were taken to a major trauma centre. The girl was seriously injured but her condition is not life-threatening. Her mother sustained minor injuries.
The area around TWG Tea was cordoned off, with police officers preventing the public from entering the crime scene. Forensic officers later arrived to examine the scene, finding a bloody piece of paper, a black baseball cap, a car key, and two lighters.
Abdullah and his colleagues provided first aid to the child before police took over. He was unsure if the girl was with family at the time.
DCSI Jessah praised those who risked their safety to help, saying they ‘showed the best of London.’ She reiterated that the suspect and the victims were not believed to be known to each other and that the attack was not thought to be terror-related.
Leicester Square, which sees around 2.5 million visitors weekly, is home to numerous shops, theatres, cinemas, and restaurants. The police cordon surrounded the TWG Tea shop, near the Lego store and M&Ms store.
In a statement, police confirmed the arrest of a suspect and the hospitalisation of the victims. They do not believe there are any other suspects.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jessah emphasised the ongoing investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed receiving a call at 11.36 am on Monday about the stabbing. They dispatched multiple resources to the scene and treated both victims before taking them to a trauma centre.
A witness described the suspect as a young, skinny white male wearing a black T-shirt and jeans. Another witness, performing as Darth Vader in the square, recounted seeing the man stabbing the child multiple times before bystanders subdued him.
David Hawkes, visiting from Billingham, saw armed police arresting the suspect. He described the scene, including an air ambulance circling overhead and armed police entering the TWG tearoom.
At least six police officers remained at the scene, which continued to attract tourists and shoppers.
A Met spokesman reiterated that they do not believe there are any other suspects and are awaiting updates on the victims’ conditions.
The London Ambulance Service spokesman added that they sent a comprehensive response team to the scene and transported the injured to a major trauma centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who were the victims in the Leicester Square stabbing?
An 11-year-old girl and her 34-year-old mother.
Did the attacker know the victims?
No, the attacker and the victims were strangers.
Was the Leicester Square stabbing terror-related?
No, police do not believe the attack was terror-related.
What did the police say about the suspect?
A 32-year-old man was arrested and is believed to be the only suspect.
How did bystanders react during the Leicester Square attack?
Bystanders bravely intervened, restraining the attacker until police arrived.