Man with sword arrested as two police officers attacked in 'terrifying' incident

A ‘critical incident’ has been declared as a man with a sword was arrested after attacking several people including two police officers.

Metropolitan Police were called to Hainault station in north east London this morning to reports people had been stabbed, The Mirror reports. Trains from Hainault run into central London.

Transport for London urged commuters to re-plan their journey on X. Wes Streeting, the Labour MP for Ilford North and Shadow Health Secretary, said that a “critical incident” had been declared.

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He added: “There are station and road closures in place. The Police, Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade are responding. One male detained. I would urge people not to speculate until details are confirmed or post footage on social media."

A photograph from the scene appears to show a man with a large bladed weapon.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said two police officers were among those who had been attacked. They said: "We were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people have been stabbed.

"At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers. We are awaiting an update on the condition of those injured. A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and he is in custody.

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

"I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm. People will want to know what has happened and will we provide more information as soon as we can. We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community. We are not looking for more suspects. This incident does not appear to be terror-related."

A spokesperson for London's transport network said: "Hainault Station is closed due to a police investigation in the area."

The London Fire Brigade said it was called to assist the incident in Hainault.

A spokesman said: “Firefighters were mobilised to assist police and London Ambulance Service colleagues at an incident near Hainault underground station.

“Crews supported London Ambulance Service crews in the provision of immediate emergency care.

“The brigade was called at 0735 and the incident was over for firefighters by 0924. Fire crews from Dagenham, Walthamstow, Ilford, Romford, Hainault, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.”

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