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Police have arrested a man with a sword who attacked members of the public and two police officers close to a Tube station in east London.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed emergency services are responding to a serious incident in Hainault, east London, after a man drove into a house and reportedly attacked others with a sword.
Five people were rushed to hospital after the incident broke out shortly before 7am, with two of those understood to be police officers.
A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and he is in custody, police said. The incident is not being treated as terror related.
Follow our live updates on this breaking incident here.
Shocking footage posted on social media following the incident shows a man wearing a yellow jumper and dark trousers, carrying what appears to be a samurai sword.
A witness told The Independent: “I was woken up by loud shouting outside and then I saw someone stab another kid.
“Then police arrived like crazy. The young man made his way towards the station and I’m not sure what happened there.
“I couldn’t really hear what was being said to be honest. He had a big sword though and was right outside my door.
“I’m just lucky my mums okay. She was about to leave for work.”
On one of the alleged victims, he added: “It was young man. He lives around the corner and was probably off to school.”
One neighbour said he was woken up when a van “ploughed into the house” opposite him.
“I jumped out of bed and have seen the van reverse out of the house. It drove up the road, where I believe he attacked someone else. It’s really bad.”
Wes Streeting, Labour MP for Ilford North, posted on X: “A critical incident has been declared in Hainault.
“There are station and road closures in place. The Police, Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade are responding. One male detained.
“I would urge people not to speculate until details are confirmed or post footage on social media.”
The Met said in a statement that they were called to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Thurlow Gardens and stabbings shortly before 7am.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.
“I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm.
“People will want to know what has happened and will we provide more information as soon as we can.”
Police said they are not looking for any more suspects and the incident does not appear to be terror-related.
The London Fire Brigade said it was called to assist the incident in Hainault.
A spokesman added: “Firefighters were mobilised to assist police and London Ambulance Service colleagues at an incident near Hainault underground station.
“Crews supported London Ambulance Service crews in the provision of immediate emergency care.
“The brigade was called at 7.35am and the incident was over for firefighters by 9.24am. Fire crews from Dagenham, Walthamstow, Ilford, Romford, Hainault, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.”
Taking to social media, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am absolutely devastated by the news from Hainault this morning.“I remain in constant contact with the Commissioner. A man has been arrested and the area secured.
“The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. There will be additional reassurance patrols in the area.
“The police officers and emergency services showed the best of our city – running towards danger to protect others and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
This is a breaking news story… More to follow.
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