London stabbing: Woman arrested after four men injured in Covent Garden incident

A woman was arrested in central London after stabbing four men in a suspected mental health-related incident. Police detained the 47-year-old woman on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and assault. The stabbings occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m. local time in Covent Garden, a busy tourist area.

Two of the four victims, aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were hospitalized with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. The other two men were released from the hospital within hours. Police seized a pair of scissors at the scene.

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While still at an early stage of the investigation, we would like to reassure the community that we currently believe this to be an isolated mental health related incident.

Met Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart stated that the investigation is in its early stages but believes the incident to be isolated and mental health-related. Witnesses reported that police used tasers to apprehend the woman, who was known locally as a homeless individual who frequented the area. "I saw the lady get tased (tasered) by the police, it was the only way they could get her to drop the knife," said one waiter who witnessed the arrest.

The street where the incident took place was cordoned off for several hours. Images showed an air ambulance helicopter in nearby Trafalgar Square. Another witness described the aftermath as confusing, with victims appearing disbelieving. The woman was described by locals as homeless and often seen on the street without shoes.

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They (police officers) were chasing away the lady who had a knife in her hand. I saw the lady get tased (tasered) by the police, it was the only way they could get her to drop the knife.