Russell Square stabbings: What we know so far

One woman was killed and five others injured after a man carried out a knife attack in London's Russell Square on Wednesday night.

Here's what we know so far:

  • What happened?

The cordoned off scene. Credit: PA

Police raced to the popular London tourist spot of Russell Square shortly after 10.30pm following reports a man was attacking people with a knife.

An American woman in her 60s died at the scene and five others were injured.

The attacker was Tasered before being arrested. He later received hospital treatment before being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Footage of the him being detained by armed police was captured on camera.

  • What about the other victims?

Tributes left at the scene. Credit: PA

Those injured were American, British, Australian and Israeli nationals.

Two people remain in hospital and three have been discharged.

None of the injured have life threatening injuries.

  • What did witnesses say?

Witness Phillipa Bagley intially thought there had been a motorbike accident. Credit: ITV News

Witnesses said the attacker had his face covered and was silent as he made sweeping stabbing motions as passers-by.

A cyclist, who gave his name as Fernando, stopped to help those injured.

"They said that when he [the attacker] stabbed people he didn't shout or scream or anything."

Phillipa Bagley said the attacker had a motorcycle helmet on his head and was "walking up and down the street" as wounded victims lay in the road.

While another witness said he saw a woman, who he believes to be the deceased victim, being comforted by her friend, who was also injured.

"I saw a woman lying on the floor with blood coming from her back. She was lying on the floor with a friend hugging her."

  • What do we know about the attacker?

Footage shows the suspected attacker being arrested at the scene. Credit: ITV News

Police said the suspect is a 19-year-old from Norway.

Norwegian officials say the suspect emigrated in 2002, when he would have been five years old.

The Norwegian police and National Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) say they are ready to assist the British police in their investigation.

  • What is the motive behind the attack?

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley gives a statement after the attack.

Scotland Yard said the incident was a "spontaneous attack" which was "not motivated by terrorism".

There is no evidence to suggest the suspect had been radicalised.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said the victims were chosen at random and mental illness was a likely "trigger" for the incident.

  • What has the reaction been in London?

An armed police presence has already been stepped up in the capital. Credit: Reuters

The attack came just hours after Met Police announced more armed officers would be deployed on London's streets amid heightened fears of a terror attack.

Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has vowed to "protect our Capital and those who live, work and visit our city".

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the public to remain "calm and vigilant".

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