Police were called just after 10.30pm on Wednesday 3 July to reports of a man armed with a knife assaulting people at Russell Square, Camden. A woman in her 60s has died and 5 others were injured during the incident. Two other women and three men received various injuries in the attack. Two of the injured remain in hospital. The woman who was murdered was an American national, those injured are Australian; American; Israeli and British.
Armed officers attended the scene within 6 minutes. They resolved the situation using the minimum use of force; discharging a taser whilst arresting the suspect and no shots were fired. The suspect, a 19-year-old man, is currently in custody in a south London police station. The 19 year old suspect is a Norwegian national of Somali ancestry
Early indications suggest that mental health is a significant factor in this case, but Police are keeping an open mind regarding the motive. So far we have found no evidence of radicalisation or anything that would suggest the man in our custody was motivated by terrorism. The Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command is investigating, supported by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Lewisham police station on 020 8721 4868 or if they wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555