Quatre personnes blessées dans une attaque au couteau à Londres, une femme suspecte arrêtée, selon la police britannique

Four people were stabbed in London’s Covent Garden district on Wednesday, according to the Metropolitan Police, who described the attack as “believed to be a mental health-related incident.” A 47-year-old female suspect was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of an offensive weapon and assault. The attack occurred on Endell Street, near the historic shopping area of Covent Garden. Police confirmed the incident was first reported at approximately 12:27 p.m. local time. Officers responded swiftly, arriving at the scene within minutes. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Sky News that they seized a pair of scissors during the operation. The suspect, identified as a woman, was detained on the spot and taken into custody. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as chaotic and alarming. One witness told Sky News that there were about 11 police cars and two or three ambulances present. They noted the presence of several tactical vehicles, indicating a heightened security response. “We saw a few tactical vans,” the witness said, adding that the situation appeared serious due to the number of emergency services on site. All four victims were male, ranging in age from 34 to 52. They were evacuated to a nearby hospital, according to reports from the London Ambulance Service. Paramedics deployed a fast-response vehicle along with an incident response officer to provide immediate care. Additionally, London’s Air Ambulance was called to assist with the medical evacuation. The victims were reportedly stable upon arrival at the hospital, though their condition has not yet been disclosed in detail. The Metropolitan Police emphasized that the nature of the attack appears to be linked to mental health concerns. This characterization comes amid ongoing discussions about public safety and the handling of such incidents in urban centers. The force has previously faced scrutiny over its approach to violent crimes, particularly in light of high-profile cases involving law enforcement and civilians. The suspect, a 47-year-old woman, is currently under investigation. She faces charges related to the possession of an offensive weapon and assault. Further details regarding her background or potential motives remain unclear. Authorities have not released additional information about her identity or prior history. The case is being reviewed by detectives, and further legal proceedings are anticipated. In the aftermath of the attack, local authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety. Police have increased patrols in the surrounding areas, especially in the Covent Garden district, which is known for its tourist attractions and busy pedestrian traffic. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation, and officials urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant. As investigations unfold, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances leading up to the attack and determining whether any broader patterns or issues need addressing. The incident underscores the complex challenges of maintaining order in densely populated urban environments, where both routine activities and unexpected violence can intersect. The community is awaiting further updates as the case progresses through the legal system.