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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2016/aug/04/london-stabbing-russell-square-knife-attack-live
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| Version 10 | Version 11 |
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| London stabbings: suspect in custody after hospital treatment – live | London stabbings: suspect in custody after hospital treatment – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 10.18am BST | |
| 10:18 | |
| Nadia Khomami | |
| The two hotels that overlook the street where the incident occurred, the Imperial and the President, do not have CCTV cameras that face onto the square. A porter at the imperial said their CCTV cameras look inwards and they have informed police. | |
| One guest at the President, Michel Godbout, who has been visiting London from Canada, said: | |
| About 10.30pm, I was in my room and I heard a woman screaming - a couple of times in one minute, then I didn’t hear anything. I was almost asleep, I heard police after that but didn’t look out the window. My view is blocked by trees. I only found out what happened this morning when I turned on the TV, if I had known I would have gone out to help or something. | |
| 10.17am BST | |
| 10:17 | |
| Denis Campbell | |
| Responding to the police’s statement that mental illness was a factor in the stabbings, Professor Sir Simon Wessely, the leading psychiatrist and president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said that killings by people with psychiatric problems had been falling for the last 30 years. | |
| But, Wessely added, much more needs to be done to help “alienated, disturbed, troubled” adolescents and young people with mental health problems, some of whom are at risk of committing violence. However, he cautioned against any attempt to increase the number of people detained due to psychiatric problems. He said: | |
| We should be very careful about looking for new compulsory powers to lock people up. We already have a very carefully thought-through Mental Health Act, which allows certain people to be detained and compulsorily treatment, in certain circumstances, for mental illness. But neither radicalism nor terrorism is a mental health diagnosis or disorder under the meaning of the Act. | |
| We should be improving services for alienated and mentally troubled adolescents and young people, to help their mental health. But we should be careful not to do things that will increase their alienation, which can then make them more not less vulnerable to radical influences. | |
| He added that these are people who are hard to reach and that mental health services for young people were “woefully underfunded”. | |
| The leader of Britain’s psychiatrists said that he was talking about “extremely alienated adolescents and young adults, who do have an increased prevalence of mental health problems. Some have psychosis, or forms of autism, or depression or complex relationship difficulties. But all of those are quite common anyway.” | |
| The link between mental illness and violence is an extremely sensitive subject. | |
| We know that some people, so called ‘lone actors’, do commit awful crimes, for example in school killings in America and the killings in Norway. There’s a link with mental illness, that’s true. Looking back at the history of people who have committed offences like this does show increased risk [that the assailant had psychiatric problems], that’s true. These offences are quite rare, thank God. But there is definitely an increased risk. | |
| 10.06am BST | |
| 10:06 | |
| Nadia Khomami | |
| Fernando, a Brazilian Londoner, who works nearby, said he was cycling home through Russell Square last night when a Spanish family asked him to stop and call the police and ambulance because a lady had collapsed. | |
| There were three people stabbed. The older woman was slumping against the gates, and it was another two people. One of the Spanish family was comforting the older woman. | |
| I thought they were friends, but then I realised that they were just passing. No-one knew each other. | |
| He said the two injured people were a man aged around 40 to 50 and a lady aged around 30. | |
| When the police arrived a few minutes later, he realised the lady had not collapsed, she had been stabbed in the back and had been bleeding. | |
| The Spanish family - a mother father and two daughters - told Fernando that a young man ran past in black shorts and a white T-shirt hiding his face with his arm and just began stabbing people with his right hand. It was a very random and quick attack. | |
| The moment the police arrived, they asked them if the man had been shouting. | |
| They said that he didn’t say anything. They said that when he stabbed the people he didn’t shout or scream anything. | |
| The family believed the attacker he was on his own. | |
| 9.38am BST | 9.38am BST |
| 09:38 | 09:38 |
| There are a number of hotels in and around Russell Square and the Evening Standard has spoken to some of their staff about what they heard or saw. | There are a number of hotels in and around Russell Square and the Evening Standard has spoken to some of their staff about what they heard or saw. |
| Manuel Simo, 32, a supervisor at the Royal National hotel in Bedford Way, said: | Manuel Simo, 32, a supervisor at the Royal National hotel in Bedford Way, said: |
| At first, people were confused and thought it was a traffic accident. | At first, people were confused and thought it was a traffic accident. |
| When they realised what was happening people were screaming and running away from a guy who was holding a knife. | When they realised what was happening people were screaming and running away from a guy who was holding a knife. |
| Apparently he was just stabbing people randomly – it’s horrible. People ran away in the direction of the British Museum. | Apparently he was just stabbing people randomly – it’s horrible. People ran away in the direction of the British Museum. |
| People are scared to go out in the street. They don’t want to go to the shop to buy water or food. It’s very sad. | People are scared to go out in the street. They don’t want to go to the shop to buy water or food. It’s very sad. |
| A night porter at the Grange Clarendon hotel told the Standard | A night porter at the Grange Clarendon hotel told the Standard |
| I could see four police officers restraining him, holding him face-down on the floor. | I could see four police officers restraining him, holding him face-down on the floor. |
| He wasn’t struggling I think he knew it was over. One police officer was about to get his handcuffs on him and was speaking into his ear. | He wasn’t struggling I think he knew it was over. One police officer was about to get his handcuffs on him and was speaking into his ear. |
| Others were searching the street for something he threw. | Others were searching the street for something he threw. |
| 9.27am BST | 9.27am BST |
| 09:27 | 09:27 |
| Jamie Grierson | Jamie Grierson |
| Scotland Yard has removed any reference to terrorism in its latest update in what is a small but potentially significant change. | Scotland Yard has removed any reference to terrorism in its latest update in what is a small but potentially significant change. |
| In the original release assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said: | In the original release assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said: |
| Early indications suggest mental health is a significant factor in this case and that is one major line of inquiry. But of course at this stage we should keep an open mind regarding motive and consequently terrorism as a motivation remains but one line of inquiry for us to explore. | Early indications suggest mental health is a significant factor in this case and that is one major line of inquiry. But of course at this stage we should keep an open mind regarding motive and consequently terrorism as a motivation remains but one line of inquiry for us to explore. |
| In the most recent update, Rowley says: | In the most recent update, Rowley says: |
| Early indications suggest that mental health was a factor in this horrific attack. However we are keeping an open mind regarding the motive. | Early indications suggest that mental health was a factor in this horrific attack. However we are keeping an open mind regarding the motive. |
| The change suggests Scotland Yard are more confident that mental health was the driving factor behind the attack. | The change suggests Scotland Yard are more confident that mental health was the driving factor behind the attack. |
| 9.10am BST | 9.10am BST |
| 09:10 | 09:10 |
| The Met Police have also released some more details of their response to the incident: | The Met Police have also released some more details of their response to the incident: |
| Police received the first call just after 10.30pm reporting a man armed with a knife was assaulting people at Russell Square, Camden. | Police received the first call just after 10.30pm reporting a man armed with a knife was assaulting people at Russell Square, Camden. |
| Numerous other calls were made by members of the public between 10.30pm and 11pm with reports of a man attacking people with a knife between Russell Square, Montague Street, Bloomsbury Square and Great Russell Street. | Numerous other calls were made by members of the public between 10.30pm and 11pm with reports of a man attacking people with a knife between Russell Square, Montague Street, Bloomsbury Square and Great Russell Street. |
| Armed officers attended the scene within approximately five minutes of receiving the first call. | Armed officers attended the scene within approximately five minutes of receiving the first call. |
| 9.03am BST | 9.03am BST |
| 09:03 | 09:03 |
| Suspect out of hospital | Suspect out of hospital |
| The 19-year-old suspect has been discharged from hospital - he was Tasered during the incident -and is now in custody at a south London police station, the Met police have said. | The 19-year-old suspect has been discharged from hospital - he was Tasered during the incident -and is now in custody at a south London police station, the Met police have said. |
| He has also been formally arrested on suspicion of murder. | He has also been formally arrested on suspicion of murder. |
| A Met police spokesman said: | A Met police spokesman said: |
| We continue to focus our lines of inquiry on mental health while retaining an open mind regarding the motive. | We continue to focus our lines of inquiry on mental health while retaining an open mind regarding the motive. |
| 8.51am BST | 8.51am BST |
| 08:51 | 08:51 |
| Damien Gayle | Damien Gayle |
| These two police officers carrying semi-automatic carbines were keeping guard outside the National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square, in central London. | These two police officers carrying semi-automatic carbines were keeping guard outside the National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square, in central London. |
| “We deal with everything from having strong words with someone to lethal force,” one said. | “We deal with everything from having strong words with someone to lethal force,” one said. |
| There will be many armed police around central London, they said. Policing will focus on crowded areas with a lot of footfall where an attacker could do most damage. | There will be many armed police around central London, they said. Policing will focus on crowded areas with a lot of footfall where an attacker could do most damage. |
| Aside from the guns strapped to their chest, both officers also carried Glock pistols, Taser stun guns, CS spray and batons. | Aside from the guns strapped to their chest, both officers also carried Glock pistols, Taser stun guns, CS spray and batons. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.18am BST | at 9.18am BST |
| 8.36am BST | 8.36am BST |
| 08:36 | 08:36 |
| Amateur film maker Stuart Kenny witnessed the incident (seemingly from a hotel window) | Amateur film maker Stuart Kenny witnessed the incident (seemingly from a hotel window) |
| I think there's been an incident outside the Imperial Hotel on Russell Square in London. :( #London pic.twitter.com/t0plUsWM1p | I think there's been an incident outside the Imperial Hotel on Russell Square in London. :( #London pic.twitter.com/t0plUsWM1p |
| Just to clarify folks, I didn't see anything. Me and my Dad heard screams, we thought it was kids mucking around, until we looked outside. | Just to clarify folks, I didn't see anything. Me and my Dad heard screams, we thought it was kids mucking around, until we looked outside. |
| 8.27am BST | 8.27am BST |
| 08:27 | 08:27 |
| A number of the cordons around the scene of the attack have now been lifted: | A number of the cordons around the scene of the attack have now been lifted: |
| Detectives continue to investigate incident in #RussellSquare most cordons have now been lifted. One partial road closure remains in place | Detectives continue to investigate incident in #RussellSquare most cordons have now been lifted. One partial road closure remains in place |
| 8.25am BST | 8.25am BST |
| 08:25 | 08:25 |
| The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has expressed his shock at last night’s events. | The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has expressed his shock at last night’s events. |
| Shocking attack in London last night. Thoughts are with family and friends of the victims | Shocking attack in London last night. Thoughts are with family and friends of the victims |
| 8.23am BST | 8.23am BST |
| 08:23 | 08:23 |
| Are you affected by the events in Russell Square? You can share your eyewitness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the blue button. You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. | Are you affected by the events in Russell Square? You can share your eyewitness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the blue button. You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. |
| 8.20am BST | 8.20am BST |
| 08:20 | 08:20 |
| Three people discharged from hospital | Three people discharged from hospital |
| Three of the people injured in the attack have been discharged from hospital. Two remain in hospital. | Three of the people injured in the attack have been discharged from hospital. Two remain in hospital. |
| Two people who were injured in the #RussellSquare incident remain in hospital. Three others have been discharged. Further update to follow | Two people who were injured in the #RussellSquare incident remain in hospital. Three others have been discharged. Further update to follow |
| 8.17am BST | 8.17am BST |
| 08:17 | 08:17 |
| The Metropolitan police have put out a renewed call for witnesses: | The Metropolitan police have put out a renewed call for witnesses: |
| We continue to appeal for witnesses following the incident in #RussellSquare anyone with any info is asked to contact 020 8721 4868 | We continue to appeal for witnesses following the incident in #RussellSquare anyone with any info is asked to contact 020 8721 4868 |
| 8.04am BST | 8.04am BST |
| 08:04 | 08:04 |
| Lisa O'Carroll | Lisa O'Carroll |
| Pol O’ Geibheannaigh told Sky News: | Pol O’ Geibheannaigh told Sky News: |
| I was approaching the [Night and Day] bar coming back from the cinema about 11.15pm. Close to the corner of Russell Square, the first thing I saw was an armed policeman and I looked down the street and it was just wall to wall police and police vans. Then about 100m from the corner of the square there was a body covered in a red blanket with dark matter around it which I assumed to be blood and more police arrived more police, no ambulances. At the time it was intense, really intense. | I was approaching the [Night and Day] bar coming back from the cinema about 11.15pm. Close to the corner of Russell Square, the first thing I saw was an armed policeman and I looked down the street and it was just wall to wall police and police vans. Then about 100m from the corner of the square there was a body covered in a red blanket with dark matter around it which I assumed to be blood and more police arrived more police, no ambulances. At the time it was intense, really intense. |
| There was no ambulance there. I counted the vans, there were 20 to 30 vans. I was looking for the ambulance, there was no ambulance. | There was no ambulance there. I counted the vans, there were 20 to 30 vans. I was looking for the ambulance, there was no ambulance. |
| Then I found out from the bar staff that a woman had been fatally wounded. Then when police came into the bar to interview people, they said a woman had been wounded. There were others they were taking off up to Bedford Square. | Then I found out from the bar staff that a woman had been fatally wounded. Then when police came into the bar to interview people, they said a woman had been wounded. There were others they were taking off up to Bedford Square. |
| He said the incident brought memories of 7/7 flooding back - as the bus that had been blown up in that terrorist attack had been just up the road. | He said the incident brought memories of 7/7 flooding back - as the bus that had been blown up in that terrorist attack had been just up the road. |
| 7.43am BST | 7.43am BST |
| 07:43 | 07:43 |
| John McDonnell, Labour’s shadow chancellor, has been speaking to Sky News. | John McDonnell, Labour’s shadow chancellor, has been speaking to Sky News. |
| He says he supports the increased police presence on the streets of London. | He says he supports the increased police presence on the streets of London. |
| The Met has said that more officers, including armed officers, will patrol the capital today. | The Met has said that more officers, including armed officers, will patrol the capital today. |
| 7.36am BST | 7.36am BST |
| 07:36 | 07:36 |
| Nadia Khomami | Nadia Khomami |
| Russell Square remains cordoned off by police this morning. | Russell Square remains cordoned off by police this morning. |
| Phillipa Bagley is visiting London and was staying at the President hotel last night: | Phillipa Bagley is visiting London and was staying at the President hotel last night: |
| The bar of the President comes out on to the square. I just came down for a cigarette and saw there was a man with a motorbike helmet balanced on his head walking up and down, then the police came. | The bar of the President comes out on to the square. I just came down for a cigarette and saw there was a man with a motorbike helmet balanced on his head walking up and down, then the police came. |
| There was about six or seven people standing around. I thought there had been an accident, I had no idea anyone had been stabbed. I found out this morning. I was shocked. | There was about six or seven people standing around. I thought there had been an accident, I had no idea anyone had been stabbed. I found out this morning. I was shocked. |
| We just came to London for a couple of days for my birthday. I didn’t think about anything like this, I’m not a great worrier. On second thoughts, in the future … | We just came to London for a couple of days for my birthday. I didn’t think about anything like this, I’m not a great worrier. On second thoughts, in the future … |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.38am BST | at 7.38am BST |
| 7.07am BST | 7.07am BST |
| 07:07 | 07:07 |
| What we know so far | What we know so far |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| Early indications suggest mental health is a significant factor in this case and that is one major line of inquiry. | Early indications suggest mental health is a significant factor in this case and that is one major line of inquiry. |
| But of course at this stage we should keep an open mind regarding motive and consequently terrorism as a motivation remains but one line of inquiry for us to explore. | But of course at this stage we should keep an open mind regarding motive and consequently terrorism as a motivation remains but one line of inquiry for us to explore. |