Two officers stabbed in London, hospitalised: UK police

155

LONDON (AP) – London’s police force said two officers have been hospitalised after being stabbed in central London early yesterday. It said the attack is not being treated as terrorism.

The Metropolitan Police force said officers “encountered a man with a knife” in the Leicester Square area, a busy tourist hub, at around 6am.

The force said both officers are in the hospital and it is awaiting updates on their conditions.

A man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assaulting an emergency worker. He is also in the hospital. Police said a Taser was used during the arrest.

Police said they are investigating the circumstances around the incident. It comes as London is flooded with mourners for Queen Elizabeth II’s lying-in-state, but the stabbing did not occur near any commemorative sites.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the attack “utterly appalling”. These brave officers were doing their duty and assisting the public at this momentous time for our country,” he said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with them, their loved ones and police colleagues following this disgraceful attack.”

Forensics officers and police at the scene in Shaftesbury Avenue, where two male police officers were stabbed, in London. PHOTO: AP