Home Office stabbing: Man’s injuries ‘not life-threatening’ as police cordon off area
A man in his sixties has been taken to hospital with injuries that are ‘neither life-threatening nor life-changing’ after being stabbed outside the Home Office this afternoon, police have confirmed.
The Metropolitan Police (Met) said another man, aged 29, has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and suspicion of CS spray following the incident and is in custody.
In a statement the Met said police had been called to the scene at 13.06 “following a report of a man with a knife. Officers attended to find one man with knife injuries.” Armed police arrived six minutes later.
It is unclear why the attack took place, but Scotland Yard said it was “keeping an open mind about any possible motive”.
Photographs circulating online showed a man being led from the Home Office by paramedics and police with wounds to his face. He was walking from the scene. The injured man’s family has been notified.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed crews had treated the injured man at the scene on Marsham Street, Westminster, before taking him to a major trauma centre.
“Enquiries are ongoing into the exact circumstances of the incident.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Metropolitan Police is investigating a knife attack which took place outside the Home Office this afternoon. The victim is receiving medical care.
“This is a deeply concerning incident and our thoughts are with him and his family.
“As this is an ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
The attack comes days after home secretary Priti Patel gave police increased powers for stop-and-search, in a bid to prevent knife crime.
Patel described the knife attack as “unprovoked”.
More to follow.
Main image credit: Gareth Milner.