Woman arrested in central London after four men stabbed in Covent Garden

A 47-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after four men were stabbed in London's bustling Covent Garden district.

The Metropolitan Police detained the suspect on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and assault, recovering a pair of scissors at the scene shortly after the attacks occurred around 12:30 pm local time.

What happened during the Covent Garden stabbing incident?

The incident unfolded in a high-traffic central London shopping and dining area popular with tourists. Emergency services deployed an air ambulance to nearby Trafalgar Square while paramedics treated four male victims aged 34, 39, 42, and 52. All four men were rushed to the hospital; two were discharged within hours, while the remaining two were treated for injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

According to Euronews reporting, police officers cordoned off the street lined with outdoor seating for several hours to conduct forensic investigations and secure the scene.

"While still at an early stage of the investigation, we would like to reassure the community that we currently believe this to be an isolated mental health related incident."
— Met Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart

What did eyewitnesses report about the suspect and police response?

Witnesses working at nearby businesses described a chaotic scene as police officers pursued the suspect. Local restaurant staff noted that the woman was known in the area as a homeless individual who frequently frequented the street without shoes. A waiter at a nearby establishment told reporters he witnessed police using a taser to safely disarm and detain the suspect, though police statements have not officially confirmed taser usage.

Police are treating the stabbings as an isolated event with no broader terror connections. The suspect remains in custody as investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.