Woman Arrested in London Stabbing Had Mental Health Issues, Witnesses Say
Translated from Romanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A 47-year-old woman, reportedly of Romanian nationality, was arrested in central London after stabbing four men with scissors.
- Police are investigating the incident as an isolated case linked to mental health issues.
- Three of the four victims have been released from the hospital, with the remaining two receiving non-life-threatening treatment.
A 47-year-old woman, who witnesses claim is Romanian, was arrested in central London's Covent Garden after allegedly stabbing four men with scissors. The Metropolitan Police responded swiftly to the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, and apprehended the suspect on suspicion of possessing a bladed weapon and assault. A pair of scissors, believed to be the weapon used, was recovered at the scene.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect leaving the area shortly after the attack. Dressed in brown trousers, a white t-shirt, and a navy cardigan, she appeared calm as she walked past pedestrians and those dining outdoors. Police stated that initial investigations suggest the incident was isolated and related to mental health problems.
One witness, who claimed to know the woman and identified her as Romanian, suggested she might have been under the influence of drugs. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed by British authorities. A restaurant owner in the vicinity mentioned that the woman was known in the area, often seen asking for help on the street and frequenting a local church.
I know her, she is Romanian.
The victims, all men aged between 34 and 52, sustained injuries. Two have since been discharged from the hospital, while the other two remain hospitalized but are not in life-threatening condition. A barber working nearby recounted that one of the injured men rushed into his shop bleeding and seeking help. He also stated he followed the suspect until the police arrived, at which point she allegedly threatened him.
An organization managing a homeless shelter has denied reports that the suspect was a resident, clarifying that she was neither a resident nor a client of their services, and none of their beneficiaries were involved in or affected by the attack.
One of the injured men ran into my salon full of blood and asked for help.
Originally published by Adevฤrul in Romanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.