Lucy Devine
A man with a sword has been arrested in Hainault, east London.
A critical incident was declared following reports that several people have been stabbed.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “Police and other emergency services are in Hainault, east London, at a serious incident in which a man with a sword has been arrested.
“We were called shortly before 7am to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people have been stabbed.
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“At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers.
“We are awaiting an update on the condition of those injured.
“A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and he is in custody.”
Peter Kingdom, 56, told the PA news agency: “As I was walking to the station, I saw an ambulance heading towards the scene and another leaving.
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“The road was blocked either side of the station entrance and all transport in the area was suspended. There was a helicopter circling the area.
“I didn’t see the man, just the ambulances, police, etc. I wasn’t concerned at first, but was a bit anxious to get back home after finding out what had happened.”
A second witness said there appeared to be a stand-off between police and the suspect, before they heard a woman scream.
“I also heard the words ‘he’s got a massive knife’, or ‘he’s got a massive sword’," the witness said.
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“Then he disappeared down this alley and then he was out of sight.
“They [the police] went into the alley and there seemed to be some sort of a stand-off there where I heard this huge commotion, then I heard a scream.
“From that commotion at least one person was knifed – I think it might have been a woman because I heard a woman scream and then some sort of sobbing sounds.
“I then heard a voice say something like ‘she’s been stabbed in the face’ or ‘we need assistance’ – you know, calling for medical back-up.”
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The Metropolitan Police said officers are not looking for more suspects and the attack 'does not appear to be terror related'.
At present, five people have been taken to hospital with injuries.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.
“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm.
“People will want to know what has happened and will we provide more information as soon as we can.”
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Meanwhile, a London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.54am this morning to reports of an incident near Hainault underground station.
“We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, clinicians in response cars, advanced paramedics and London’s air ambulance.
“At this time we understand members of the public and two police officers had been attacked.
“Working together with our emergency services partners, we treated five people on the scene and took all five to hospital.
“All crews have now left the scene.”