4 hospitalized after stabbing in central London; woman arrested

Four people were taken to hospital after a stabbing in central London on Wednesday, and police arrested a 47-year-old woman at the scene.

The incident occurred shortly after 12.30 pm local time (1130GMT) on Endell Street, near Covent Garden.

London’s Metropolitan Police said officers responded to reports of multiple people being stabbed and arrested a woman in connection with the attack.

The stabbing is believed to have been a mental health-related incident, and a pair of scissors was found at the scene, police said.

The London Ambulance Service dispatched ambulance crews, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, an incident response officer, and an air ambulance.

"We treated four patients at the scene and took them all to a major trauma centre as a priority by road," the ambulance service said in a statement.

Authorities have not disclosed the conditions of the injured.

Police cordoned off the area while forensic officers examined the scene and investigators interviewed witnesses.

'Isolated’ incident

The Metropolitan Police also said later that two of the victims remain in hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, while the other two have since been discharged.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart said officers responded rapidly after receiving reports of the attack.

"Officers responded within minutes of this incident after receiving a number of reports," he said.

Stewart said that while the investigation is at an early stage, detectives did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public.

"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."

He added that a visible police presence would remain in the area while officers continue to gather evidence.