14 year old dies after stabbing in Hainault
Five people were injured in the attack
Last updated 30th Apr 2024
A 14 year old boy has died after a stabbing in north east London.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, of the Metropolitan Police, said five people were injured in the attack in Hainault.
Two Met officers suffered wounds that both require surgery, with Mr Bell describing their injuries as "significant" but not life-threatening, and injuries sustained by two members of the public are also not deemed to be life-threatening.
The officer said he did not believe it was a targeted attack, and it is not believed to be terror-related.
Speaking at a press conference near the scene, Mr Bell said: "You will be aware that a serious incident occurred here at this location this morning.
"Police and ambulance services were called and deployed to a number of casualties.
"It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured in the incident, a 13-year-old boy, has died from their injuries.
"He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died a short while after.
"The child's family are being supported firstly by my local officers and now with some specialist officers."
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has paid tribute to the bravery of emergency services who responded to the attack in Hainault.
Speaking at the Society of Editors conference in central London, he said: "I'd like to give my thanks to the emergency teams that are responding and to pay tribute to their bravery."
Ilford North MP Wes Streeting said: "I want to thank the emergency services for their response to the horrific incident in my constituency this morning, particularly the heroic Metropolitan Police officers who put themselves in harm's way to protect others. They are the best of us.
"My prayers are with those who've been injured and their loved ones.
"I know there will be widespread fear and alarm in our community, but the police have made an arrest and are not looking for other suspects.
"I am liaising closely with the police, the mayor of London and the London Borough of Redbridge, and will keep local residents updated."
Praise for the emergency services
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was "absolutely devastated" by the attack in Hainault and thanked the emergency services for "running towards danger".
He said: "I remain in constant contact with the Commissioner. A man has been arrested and the area secured. The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. There will be additional reassurance patrols in the area.
"The police officers and emergency services showed the best of our city - running towards danger to protect others and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
"I would urge people not to speculate until the details of this incident are confirmed by the police and avoid posting footage on social media.
"If you have any information at all, please contact the police urgently on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111. There is no honour in staying silent.
"Those affected in the local area, including witnesses, can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111."
Rick Prior, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: "The thoughts of all police officers in London are with the family of the 14-year-old boy who was killed today, and all those injured.
"This horrific incident is a sad reminder of the incredible bravery our officers display and the dangers they face to keep the public in London safe, day in and day out.
"It's often forgotten by people who attack our profession and the difficult and dynamic decisions which officers are confronted with on an hourly basis, that we work with heroes whose courage is incredible.
"We shall be supporting our injured colleagues, the officers they work with and their families as best we can at this very difficult time."
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "Following the horrific scenes in Hainault this morning, the King has asked to be kept fully informed as details of the incident become clearer.
"His thoughts and prayers are with all those affected - in particular, the family of the young victim who has lost his life - and he salutes the courage of the emergency services who helped contain the situation."