Arrest footage emerges after four stabbed in London tourist hotspot
New footage has emerged showing the moment a woman was arrested in central London after four people were stabbed in what police have called an “isolated, mental-health related incident”.
Vision posted to X shows the moment the 47-year-old woman is pinned down and restrained by two police officers as a crowd of onlookers watches on.
A crowd of people watched on as the woman who allegedly stabbed multiple people was detained by police. @daviddelapaz
The ordeal began after emergency services rushed to Covent Garden, a busy area popular with visitors, about 12.30pm (9.30pm AEST) on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police said four men, aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were found with stab wounds.
The 47-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault and remained in custody, police said.
Officers responded within minutes of this incident after receiving a number of reports and an air ambulance landed in Trafalgar Square to treat the victims.
“While still at an early stage of the investigation, we would like to reassure the community that we currently believe this to be an isolated, mental-health related incident,” Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart said.
Police officers stand near the scene on Endell Street in Covent Garden. James Manning/PA via AP
“A visible police presence will remain in the area while evidence is gathered at the scene, and we thank the public for their understanding.”
A London Ambulance Service Spokesperson said four patients were taken by road to a major trauma centre.
“We sent an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance,” the spokesperson said.
Two of the men were released from hospital later in the day and two remained their with injuries’ police said were not believed to be life-threatening or life changing.
Historic Covent Garden is one of the busiest and most touristy parts of London, as it sits within the West End and a short walk from Soho, the Thames River, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
It’s usually packed during summer and particularly with UK school holidays under way at the moment.
London Transport Museum and the Royal Opera House are among the major tourist attractions in the area.
A crime scene was lifted on Wednesday afternoon (early Thursday AEST) but police remained in the area.
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