A woman has been arrested in central London after four men were stabbed in what police described as an "isolated, mental health-related" incident in Covent Garden. The attack occurred during lunchtime on Endell Street, a bustling thoroughfare known for its shops, theaters, and restaurants. Emergency services arrived swiftly, treating the victims at the scene before transporting them to a major trauma center. Two of the men remain hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the other two have since been discharged. The suspect, a 47-year-old woman, was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, believed to be a pair of scissors, and assault. According to witnesses, she began stabbing individuals randomly along the street. Arjan Gjorga, a local fish and chip shop manager, stated that the victims appeared to be ordinary pedestrians. He noted that the woman was eventually apprehended by police, who arrived quickly after multiple calls were received. Eyewitness accounts varied slightly but generally painted a picture of confusion and rapid police intervention. Matt Bishop, a worker nearby, described seeing the woman engaged in a brief standoff with three officers, during which she waved a weapon and spoke incoherently. Another witness claimed the stabbing initially took place near the Shaftesbury Theatre, where the woman allegedly attacked three men with scissors before moving toward Endell Street. The police cordoned off parts of Endell Street, extending from High Holborn to the St Mungo’s homeless center, where officers interviewed passersby. Despite the disruption, businesses near the affected area, including restaurants on Long Acre, continued operating. Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, overseeing policing in the region, emphasized that the incident was under early-stage investigation and reassured the public that it was likely linked to mental health issues rather than terrorism or organized crime. The victims, identified as men aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were all transported to a major trauma center by ambulance crews, including a paramedic in a fast-response vehicle and London’s Air Ambulance. Paramedics treated all four individuals at the scene before prioritizing their transport by road. The London Ambulance Service confirmed that all four were taken to the hospital as a priority. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the woman has a known history of mental illness or psychiatric treatment. However, police have indicated that the weapon used, a pair of scissors, was consistent with a domestic or personal item rather than a weapon typically associated with violent crimes. This detail supports the current classification of the incident as mental health-related, though the investigation remains ongoing. Witnesses described the woman as appearing disoriented and uncooperative with law enforcement. One account mentioned that she was elderly, with short hair, and seemed confused during the confrontation with police. While the exact nature of her mental state remains unclear, the swift police response and lack of additional casualties suggest the situation did not escalate beyond the initial attack. As the investigation continues, police have maintained a visible presence in the area to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses. They have urged the public to provide any information that could assist in the inquiry. Meanwhile, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances leading to the incident and ensuring the safety of the community. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by emergency services in responding to situations involving mental health crises. With increasing numbers of such cases reported nationwide, authorities continue to emphasize the need for specialized training and resources to address these incidents effectively. For now, the woman remains in custody, awaiting further questioning and possible charges.
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