Public heroism helps subdue knifeman in Leicester Square, police say
Four men injured; a 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and weapons offences, later detained under Mental Health Act.
A group of four passersby helped subdue a suspected knifeman in Leicester Square after police were called in the early hours of Sunday. Officers were dispatched at 01:08 a.m. on Sept. 21 to reports of a man with a knife threatening members of the public in Westminster's Leicester Square. Four men in their 20s and 30s sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening or life-changing.
Footage circulating online shows bystanders pinning the man to the ground after he can be seen holding up a knife and telling people to back away. A security guard then ran over and tackled him as others wrestled him down again; the knife was later found discarded on the ground. The attacker was wearing a black coat, dark trousers and a blue rucksack.
A 50-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, affray and possession of a Class B drug. He has since been detained under the Mental Health Act, the Metropolitan Police said.
The Met said officers attended and found four men with injuries, and that the victims' injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing. Investigators are appealing for information, citing CAD 445/21SEP and asking anyone with information to contact police on 101 or via online reporting, or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Leicester Square, a busy nightlife area in Westminster, remained open as police investigated. There was no immediate indication of a broader threat.