Woman and 11-year-old girl stabbed in central London
Westminster Police reported that a 34-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl were stabbed in central London. The attacker has been arrested, and authorities do not believe there are any additional suspects.
The young girl “is seriously injured and will require further treatment, but fortunately her prognosis is not life-threatening,” stated the police. Her 34-year-old mother sustained minor injuries.
“Police are at the scene of a knife attack in Leicester Square. A man has been arrested and is in custody,” said London police in a statement.
Officers are at the scene of a stabbing in Leicester Square.
A man has been arrested & is in custody.
We don’t believe there are any outstanding suspects.
Two victims, an 11-yr-old girl & a 34-yr-old woman, have been taken to hospital & we await an update on their condition.
— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) August 12, 2024
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service stated that the call was received at 11:36 a.m., and both victims were transported to a trauma center. Their conditions are currently unknown, and the specific circumstances or motive behind the attack remain unclear.
“At this stage, there is no indication that the attack is linked to terrorism,” according to the police, who are working to determine the suspect’s motives. “We do not believe that the suspect and the victims were previously acquainted,” she added.
Local police chief Christina Jessah commended the individuals, including local business workers, who intervened “courageously.”
“Investigators are eager to speak with anyone who was in the area and may have information that could assist them,” she added.
Multiple police officers were present at the scene around midday, where a cordon was set up near the Lego store, a popular spot for tourists.
The incident occurred near Leicester Square, one of the busiest and most renowned squares in the British capital. Police are still on-site, according to British media, notably BBC.
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“People screaming”
Police cordoned off the scene in Leicester Square, a major attraction in central London, after a 32-year-old man stabbed an 11-year-old girl and her mother. “There were people screaming,” stated Veysel Orkun Gultekin, who operates a tour guide company in London. “I ran away.”
The United Kingdom, where firearm possession is heavily restricted, is witnessing a resurgence in knife violence (including attacks on individuals and burglaries), often involving young people.
Such incidents increased by 7%, totaling nearly 50,000 cases last year compared to 2022, and have almost doubled in the last decade, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
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Stabbing Incident in Central London: Woman and 11-Year-Old Girl Injured
On August 12, 2024, an alarming stabbing incident occurred in Leicester Square, a bustling hub in central London, injuring a 34-year-old woman and her 11-year-old daughter, as reported by Westminster Police via social media platform X. The assailant has been taken into custody, with authorities indicating that they do not believe there are any further suspects at large.
Details of the Incident
The victims were targeted in what appears to be a random attack. According to police statements, the young girl sustained severe injuries, but her condition is currently deemed non-life-threatening. Her mother suffered minor injuries. The stabbing incident was reported at approximately 11:36 AM, prompting immediate response from emergency services.
Response from Authorities
The Metropolitan Police stated, “There is no indication at this stage that the attack is linked to terrorism. Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and may have information that could assist them.”
Officers are at the scene of a stabbing in Leicester Square. A man has been arrested & is in custody. We don’t believe there are any outstanding suspects. Two victims, an 11-yr-old girl & a 34-yr-old woman, have been taken to hospital & we await an update on their condition.
— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) August 12, 2024
Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes in the aftermath of the attack. Veysel Orkun Gultekin, a local tour guide, recounted, “There were people screaming. I ran away.” Such reactions highlight the panic that ensued in one of London’s most popular tourist locations.
The Context of Knife Violence in the UK
This incident is part of a troubling trend in the UK, where knife crime has surged in recent years. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, knife-related incidents have increased by 7%, totaling almost 50,000 cases last year compared to 2022. The overall trend indicates that such violent acts have nearly doubled over the past decade.
Statistics on Knife Crime in the UK
| Year | Number of Knife Crimes | Year-on-Year Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 46,738 | – |
| 2023 | 50,000 | 7% |
| 2024 | Estimated rise | Yet to be determined |
Community Response and Support
Local authorities and community leaders have expressed concern over this violent incident and its broader implications. Police Chief Christina Jessah commended those who displayed courage during the incident, mentioning local business workers who intervened to assist the victims. Community support and vigilance are being emphasized to combat the rising tide of knife-related violence in London.
What Should You Do in a Knife Attack?
The unpredictable nature of knife violence necessitates that everyone be prepared in case of emergencies. Here are some practical tips:
- Stay Calm: In a threatening situation, try to stay as calm as possible. Panic can impair your decision-making.
- Remove Yourself from Danger: If feasible, find an escape route to ensure your safety.
- Alert Authorities: Once safe, call emergency services immediately to report the incident.
- Help the Victim: If it’s safe to do so, provide assistance to anyone injured until professional help arrives.
- Be a Good Witness: Observe the attacker’s physical description to provide information to the police.
Seeking Help and Resources
If you or someone you know is affected by violence or crime in London, several resources are available:
Victim Support Services
- Victim Support: Offers 24-hour assistance for victims of crime across the UK.
- Local Counseling Services: Many local councils provide mental health support for victims and witnesses of violent incidents.
- Community Safety Programs: Local initiatives aimed at preventing crime and improving safety in neighborhoods.
Moving Forward
As investigations continue into the motives behind this tragic incident, it serves as a grim reminder of the reality of knife violence in urban areas. London’s residents and visitors alike must stay vigilant and support one another in safeguarding their communities.
This unfortunate event highlights the complexities surrounding urban safety and the collective responsibility to foster a secure environment for all.
