UK: Civil servant stabbed outside Home Office

LONDON

A civil servant was stabbed outside the Home Office in London on Thursday, said police, who were still clueless on the motive of the attack.

A sexagenarian government employee, working at the Housing Ministry at Westminster in Central London was attacked, outside the office building.

Police said the injuries were not life threatening.

“I am deeply shocked by this horrific attack on a colleague today. My thoughts, and those of all my staff, are with him and his family. We are ready to provide as much support as we can and we all wish him a speedy recovery,” said the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.

“We will be reviewing security across the MHCLG [Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government] estate. All our staff must feel safe, as they go about their important work. I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the police, ambulance service and our staff for their swift response today” Jenricks added.

A 29 year-old man was arrested near the spot on suspicion. He was found allegedly possessing a toxic spray. A video, published by the Sun newspaper, appears to show the suspect being arrested, with various items being left at the scene, including a rucksack and a box containing a live ferret.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, condemned the attack, calling it “unprovoked” and “horrific”. Photos posted on social media show police officers manning cordons around the scene of the attack.

Police have launched an inquiry to establish the nature of the attack and is “keeping an open mind about any possible motive at this early stage”.

“The Metropolitan Police is investigating a knife attack which took place outside the Home Office this afternoon. The victim is receiving medical care. This is a deeply concerning incident and our thoughts are with him and his family. As this stage, since investigation is on, it would be inappropriate to comment further” a spokeswoman from the Home Office said in a statement.