Hainault stabbings: Live updates as 'critical incident' declared near London tube station

A critical incident has been declared in London following reports of several people being stabbed. The Metropolitan Police says one man has been arrested in connection with the incident this morning (April 30).

Police believe the suspect attacked members of the public and two police officers. It took place in Hainault, north east London. The area's MP, Wes Streeting, said a 'critical incident' has been declared.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitte): “A critical incident has been declared in Hainault. There are station and road closures in place.

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"The police, ambulance service and fire brigade are responding. One male detained.”

The Metropolitan Police said on social media: “Police are at an incident in the Hainault area. Please follow the instructions of police officers on the ground. A man has been arrested.”

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

In a post on X, Mr Sunak added: “This is a shocking incident. My thoughts are with those affected and their families. Such violence has no place on our streets.”

He also thanked the emergency services and paid tribute to the 'extraordinary bravery shown by police on the scene'.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has paid tribute to the bravery of emergency services who responded to the attack in Hainault.

Speaking at the Society of Editors conference in central London this morning, he said:

“I’d like to give my thanks to the emergency teams that are responding and to pay tribute to their bravery.”

A cordon remains in place, while tape surrounds a van at the scene, which appears to have suffered collision damage.

Footage circulating on social media, shared by our sister title