Boy, 14, killed, four hurt in ‘truly horrific’ sword attack in London

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British police have described a stabbing attack by a man wielding a sword, killing a 14-year old boy and injuring four others – including two police officers – as "truly horrific".

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene in Hainault, east London, police said on Tuesday, adding that the incident was not being treated as terror-related or a “targeted attack".

Two police officers were in hospital being treated for stab wounds and needed surgery for non life-threatening injuries.

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The London Ambulance Service said emergency workers treated five people and took them to the hospital.

The Metropolitan Police said they were called early on Tuesday to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in a residential street and people being stabbed close to the Hainault underground station.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads local policing for the Met's East Area Command, said a "very serious incident occurred", with the teenager dying soon after.

"It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured, a 14-year-old boy, has died," Bell said.

"He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died shortly afterwards.

"The child's family are being supported by specially trained officers.

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"Everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time.

"The events of this morning are truly horrific and I cannot begin to imagine how all those affected must be feeling."

The boy was initially reported to be 13, but police later confirmed he was 14.

Video on British media showed a man in a yellow hoodie holding a long sword or knife walking near houses in the area.

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Witnesses say they heard police shouting to the suspect urging him to put down the weapon as they chased after him.

The suspect was Tasered 22 minutes after the first call was made to police, officers said.

“This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned," Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said.

“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm. People will want to know what has happened and we will provide more information as soon as we can.”

He added that police do not believe there is a threat to the wider community.

“We are not looking for more suspects,'' he said.

”This incident does not appear to be terror-related."

Police are asking people not to share the "graphic" images online.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan asked locals to send doorbell or mobile phone footage to police if they captured what happened.

He said more officers would be deployed to the area.

"I appreciate how terrifying this was," Khan said.

King Charles asked to be kept updated, Buckingham Palace said.

"His thoughts and prayers are with all those affected – in particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life – and he salutes the courage of the emergency services who helped contain the situation," a statement said.

Transport for London said Hainault underground station was closed due to a police investigation in the area.