Police arrest woman for stabbing four men in London

A woman was arrested after four men were stabbed on Wednesday in Covent Garden, a busy area in central London that attracts many tourists. Police believe this was a case linked to mental health issues.

The 47-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of having an offensive weapon and assault. This happened just before 12:30 PM local time, as reported by London’s Metropolitan Police.

She was still in custody on Wednesday afternoon. Police said they found a pair of scissors at the scene.

The four victims, aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were rushed to the hospital. According to police, two of them were treated for injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing. The other two men were released from the hospital within hours.

Met Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart said, “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.”

Witnesses from a nearby restaurant said police used tasers to arrest the woman. She was known in the area as a homeless person who often visited the street.

Ahmad, a waiter who did not want to give his surname, said, “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.”

Police did not confirm if tasers were used in their statements.

The street in Covent Garden, filled with shops and outdoor seating, was closed off with police tape for several hours after the incident.

Media reports showed an air ambulance helicopter landing in nearby Trafalgar Square.

Another witness, waiter Arjan, described the scene after the stabbings. He said, “Even the victims, they didn’t believe what was happening.”

“We saw people lying down and the police arrived immediately,” he added.

“We know the lady. I don’t know her name but she is always on this street. She was homeless and never wore shoes.”