No Evidence of Radicalisation in London Knife Attacker, One Dead

A knife-wielding man went on a stabbing spree in Central London on Wednesday night.

Britain says its terrorist attack threat level remains at “severe”, the second-highest level, meaning a strike is “highly likely”. Police had already promised to deploy more armed officers in the capital after a spate of deadly attacks in France, Germany and Belgium.

Attacks across Europe have heightened tensions between some communities, raised questions about the European Union’s border policies and bolstered support for anti-EU far-right groups.

In an official release, London’s first Muslim major, Sadiq Khan, called for vigilance and there was an increased police presence in the capital.

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...We all have a vital role to play as eyes and ears for our police and security services and in helping to ensure London is protected.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Just hours before the Russell Square attack, London’s police chief said that he would deploy an additional 600 armed officers across the capital to protect against any attacks.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The man who attacked six people with a knife in Central London’s Russel Square, on Wednesday night, was identified as 19-year-old Norwegian man of Somali descent with “no evidence of radicalisation”.

One woman was killed and five others injured in a knife attack by a man with suspected mental health issues.

Police, who arrived within five minutes of being called, used a Taser electric shock gun and detained the 19-year-old suspect. He was later formally arrested on suspicion of murder.

The investigation was being handled by homicide command with support from counter-terrorism officers, Rowley said.

Armed police arrested a 19-year-old man at Russell Square after he attacked a woman in her 60s who died from her injuries at the scene.

A woman in her 60s died from her injuries at the scene. The other injured - one woman and four men - were treated in hospital. Three were later discharged.

Early indications suggest that mental health is a significant factor in this case and that is one major line of inquiry. But of course at this stage we should keep an open mind regarding motive, and consequently terrorism as a motivation remains but one line of inquiry for us to explore. 

Mark Rowley, London Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner

The statement further reads:

Terrorism is one possibility being explored at this stage. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.