30-4-2024 (LONDON) A 36-year-old man armed with a sword was arrested on Monday morning after a terrifying rampage in the east London suburb of Hainault, where he allegedly attacked members of the public and police officers following an initial vehicle collision.
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, emergency services were called to the Thurlow Gardens area just before 7am after reports that a car had crashed into a residential property. However, the situation quickly escalated as the suspect then appeared to turn violent.
“There were reports people have been stabbed,” the police statement read. “At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.”
4 people severely injured or killed at Hainault station, where a 15 year old wielding a machete has attacked and maybe killed 4 civillians #london #hainault #essex #morning
“He come up to me and tried to kill me” a bystander said
pic.twitter.com/yY1cSKMRW1— Awais Ali (@awais90651247) April 30, 2024
While authorities have not provided details on the number or extent of injuries sustained, they confirmed that a 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody as investigations continue. Law enforcement sources stated the male suspect was wielding a sword during the rampage.
The Metropolitan Police assured the public that they are not seeking any additional suspects, characterizing this as an isolated incident unrelated to terrorism. Nonetheless, the brazen sword attack in a typically quiet residential neighborhood has left locals shaken and seeking answers.
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and panic as the events unfolded in the early morning hours. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted hearing a “massive bang” before seeing a vehicle had plowed into a neighbor’s home.
“I looked out and there was a bloke walking up the street with a massive sword in his hand, just waving it around,” they told local media outlets. “It was terrifying – he didn’t seem all there. Next thing you know, police started swarming the area.”
