Russell Square stabbing: Knifeman kills woman and injures five others in 'possible terror attack'

Mark Chandler4 August 2016
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A woman has died and five other people have been injured after a knifeman started stabbing people in central London in what police say may be a terror attack.

Police used Tasers on the 19-year-old man after they were called to Russell Square at 10.33pm yesterday evening following reports a knifeman was on the rampage.

One woman, in her 60s, who was treated at the scene was pronounced dead a short time later.

Knife attack: A woman died and up to five people were injured
@hyperlinkhelen

The Metropolitan Police said five people - a woman and four men - were found injured in the area and are currently in hospital.

The attacker was detained and arrested by officers.

One witness, called Michael, told MailOnline: "I heard a scream, and then we went to the park and I saw a girl lying on the floor with blood coming from her back. Another girl had blood on her arm."

He went on: "I only saw the victim and the girl with the arm stabbed from that group.

"I just saw blood just next to her. She was lying on the floor with a friend hugging her."

Lauren Brittny wrote on Twitter that her brother had witnessed the attack and desperately tried to seek help.

She wrote: "Sadly my brother and his mates witnessed the stabbing in Russell Square.

"My brother rang me at time as he was in shock. But all he said was the man quickly jogged passed him and they tried to grab an ambulance driver attention who was close by but did nothing.

"My brother was at UCL summer camp and they were returning from a theatre trip .

"His mentors were guarding them so he was unable to do much. I wish he filmed the guy.

"But everyone was stunned by the situation."

Police are investigating whether the incident was a terrorist attack but said this morning initial reports suggested mental health could also be a major factor.

Extra police, including armed officers, are being deployed to the streets of the capital tomorrow morning in a bid to reassure Londoners.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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