A knife attack in London on Wednesday night has left one woman dead and five others injured, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Officials said they received calls of a man assaulting people at Russell Square in Camden just after 10:30 pm local time.
They said police officers used a Taser while arresting the suspect, allegedly a 19-year-old man.
He was taken to a hospital in custody, according to a public statement.
A woman has died and five others injured following a stabbing in #RussellSquare https://t.co/GRxgvY2FlX pic.twitter.com/FR9n1jAgmM
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 4, 2016
A man has been detained and arrested by police #RussellSquare https://t.co/jsPqqqeOJa
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 4, 2016
Police said they had not identified a motive for the suspect.
“Early indications suggest that mental health is a significant factor in this case,” they said. “But we retain an open mind regarding the motive and terrorism remains one line of inquiry.”
The woman who died is believed to be in her 60s, police said. The five other victims include two women and three men. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown.
“This was a tragic incident resulting in the death of one woman and five others being injured,” said Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan Police.
“As a precautionary measure, Londoners will wake up this morning to notice an increased presence on the streets of officers, including armed officers today. We would urge the public to remain calm, alert and vigilant.”
