A 36-year-old man was arrested in London on Tuesday after attacking members of the public and two police officers with a sword, the London Metropolitan Police said.
“Police and other emergency services are in Hainaut, east London, at a serious incident in which a man armed with a sword has been arrested,” police said in a statement. a statement sent to CBS News.
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“We understand that the suspect then attacked other members of the public and two police officers. We are awaiting an update on the condition of those injured,” the statement said.
A social media video verified by CBS News’ sister network, BBC News, shows the suspect wearing a yellow sweater, walking and appearing to hide behind bushes in a front yard while carrying a long-bladed weapon.
A senior British police official, Ade Adelekan, said the incident did not appear to be linked to terrorism.
“We do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community at large. We are not looking for additional suspects,” Adelekan said.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed in a social media post that five people were treated at the scene and then taken to hospital.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was in constant contact with police and was “absolutely devastated” by the attack.
“Police officers and emergency services showed the best of our city: running into danger to protect others and I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he said. said in a message shared on social networks.
Transport for London, which runs the city’s busy metro system, said Hainaut station had been closed due to a police investigation.
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