Boy Fatally Wounded in Samurai Sword Attack in London Neighborhood

A 14-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured after a man went on a rampage with a samurai sword in a suburb of east London.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell of the Metropolitan Police stated that five people were injured in the attack in Hainault.

He mentioned that a 36-year-old man, who was tasered and arrested, was responsible for the incident, which was not linked to terrorism but considered a targeted attack.

Two police officers sustained significant injuries requiring surgery, but their lives were not in danger. Two residents also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed shock at the incident and stated that such violence has no place on the streets.

Initially, the police responded to reports of a vehicle crashing into a house.

During a press conference in Hainault, Mr. Bell stated, “You will be aware that a serious incident occurred here at this location this morning. Police and ambulance services were called and deployed to a number of casualties.”

Police Confirm Death ‘With Great Sadness’

“It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured in the incident, a 13-year-old boy, has died from their injuries. He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died a short while after,” he added.

The police later corrected the boy’s age to 14.

Mr. Bell mentioned that the boy’s family were receiving support from specialist officers.

He declined to comment on speculation about the attacker’s recent arrest on another matter.

Witness James Fernando, 39, reported that the suspect asked a neighbor to take his phone and reveal his location on a call.

He described the moment when the suspect pulled out the samurai sword from his trousers and attacked the boy on his way to school, causing him to collapse.

‘I Can’t Stop Envisioning the Boy’s Face’

Mr. Fernando expressed, “It’s quite traumatising now. I can’t stop envisioning the boy’s face.”

He continued, “He was running around even after the police arrived, wielding the sword and looking for more victims.”

Another witness reported seeing a man in yellow jumping fences and heard someone shouting about a massive knife.

A video circulating on social media showed a man in a yellow hoodie holding a knife or sword.

Hainault, known for its Tube station, is a quiet suburb in the Ilford North constituency at the eastern end of the Central Line.

Local MP Wes Streeting expressed devastation over the incident, offering condolences to the boy’s family and other victims. He commended the emergency services for their response and reassured the community that no additional suspects were being sought.

A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace stated that King Charles III was informed of the situation, expressing condolences and admiration for the emergency services’ bravery.

PA Media contributed to this report.