Woman Arrested Following Covent Garden Stabbing Incident Involving Four Victims Attacked with Scissors

A woman has been apprehended following a stabbing incident that left four men injured in Covent Garden, central London, as confirmed by local authorities. The event occurred on Endell Street on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the men being transported to a major trauma centre for treatment.

The Metropolitan Police reported that the victims, aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were discovered with stab wounds. Two of the men remain in hospital, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-altering. The other two individuals have since been discharged.

Details of the Incident and Arrest

A 47-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault. She is currently in custody as investigations continue. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the stabbing may be linked to mental health issues, with a pair of scissors recovered from the scene by police.

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service stated, “We dispatched an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, and an incident response officer. Additionally, London’s Air Ambulance was also sent to the location.” The spokesperson added that all four individuals were treated on-site before being taken to the trauma centre as a matter of priority.

Initially, police reported that three individuals had been stabbed, but later clarified that four men were found with injuries. In response to the situation, a substantial police cordon was established extending from High Holborn to the St Mungo’s homeless centre on Endell Street, where officers engaged with individuals entering the building.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response

Despite the police presence, nearby restaurants along Long Acre continued to operate as usual. Witness Matt Bishop, 42, who works at a consultancy firm adjacent to the cordoned area, recounted seeing a woman in a “stand-off” with three police officers while brandishing a weapon. Although he did not witness the stabbing itself, he observed the woman running towards the crossroads, describing her as appearing “pretty incoherent.”

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who oversees policing in the area, reassured the public: “Officers responded within minutes of receiving multiple reports regarding this incident. While the investigation is still in its early stages, we want to emphasise that we believe this to be an isolated incident related to mental health.” He also mentioned that a visible police presence will be maintained in the vicinity as evidence collection continues.

Authorities are encouraging members of the public who may have information about the incident to contact the police by calling 101 and quoting CAD3449/05AUG.