Stabbing Attack In London Leaves 1 dead, As Many As 5 injured

Early reports from authorities suggest that the man responsible for the London stabbing spree, which killed an American woman and injured five others, has no affiliation with any terror group.

The unnamed woman – an American national – died in the attack while four others including a British man, an American man, an Australian man, an Australian woman and an Israeli woman were injured and needed hospital treatment.

A 19-year-old was arrested six minutes later after a Taser was sacked by one of the officers. The suspect has been charged with murder.

The suspect is a Norwegian national of Somali ancestry, the police said.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said Thursday that it wasn’t terrorism – but in a city on edge after a summer of attacks elsewhere in Europe, both authorities and London residents initially responded as if it were.

Counter-terrorism officers are supporting the investigation into the incident, while Scotland Yard said early indications suggest mental health “was a factor”.

Police said the attack was not linked to terrorism, and that mental health appears to have been a factor.

“Shocking attack in London last night”. In a statement released by his press office, Khan said “The safety of all Londoners is my number one priority and my heart goes out to the victims of the incident in Russell Square and their loved ones”.

Police chiefs and security bosses have repeatedly warned that Islamic State fighters want to carry out attacks against Britain, a close ally of the United States.

The woman murdered in the attack late Wednesday is a USA citizen, he said.

“I saw a white woman slumped against the railings with injuries and she was being helped by a young Spanish girl who looked around 16 years old”, he said. “I urge all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant”.

Five others were injured, and two were still in a hospital on Thursday morning.

The area of the attack, Russell Square, reportedly is a busy area for tourists, including hotels, cafes and souvenir shops.

It was at around 10:30 p.m. local time that armed officers were called to the stabbings.

He said the suspect was shot with an electric shock gun and detained by armed officers within six minutes of the first call to the emergency services.