Sadiq Khan must carry the can for London’s increase in violent crime after five people were hospitalised after today’s shocking machete attack in Hainault, in which a 13-year-old boy has been killed, electoral rival Howard Cox has claimed.
And Reform UK’s candidate also had words of criticism for the Metropolitan Police, specifically its “woke” Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
This morning’s dramatic events come just two days before the election, which will see Labour’s Mr Khan bid to secure a third term.
Police and paramedics descended on Thurlow Gardens, close to Hainault tube station, after an emergency call just before 7am, with a clip showing a man prowling the area holding a machete-like sword.
Multiple people were reported to be injured, including two police officers, and five were taken to hospital.
Mr Cox, who is also founder of Fair Fuel UK, told Express.co.uk: “Yet another avoidable knife attack.
“When will Sadiq Khan and his woke Met boss get their acts together? They are to blame for the increase in violent crime.”
The number of police patrolling the streets of the capital needed to be tripled, Mr Cox argued.
He added: “The police numbers are already there but they are wasting their time on pointless paperwork and checking on free speech social media messages. Get them out on the streets.
“Bring back stop and search too: it worked before. Give Londoners the protection they want and entitled to.”
Only last week, during a radio debate organised by LBC, Mr Khan responded to Tory candidate Susan Hall’s claim to have been told of “gangs running around with machetes” by saying: “I think the Tory candidate should stop watching The Wire.”
Speaking hours after the latest attack, Ms Hall resisted the temptation to reference his remark, telling Express.co.uk: “This is deeply concerning and my thoughts are with those who have been injured.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for responding to this incident so quickly and for all the work they do to keep people safe.
“I would urge people not to speculate about the incident on social media and I would encourage any witnesses to contact the police.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat candidate Rob Blackie, who has pledged to “fix the Met” if elected, told Express.co.uk: “Under Sadiq Khan’s leadership the Met is overstretched – making it hard to prevent or respond to crimes.
“6,000 police are stuck in the back office when they could be on the frontline.
“My top priority will be to get police back onto the frontline, focussing on the crimes that matter.”
Mr Khan himself said: ““I am absolutely devastated by the news from Hainault this morning.
“I remain in constant contact with the Commissioner.
“A man has been arrested and the area secured. The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. There will be additional reassurance patrols in the area.
“The police officers and emergency services showed the best of our city – running towards danger to protect others and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
He added: “I would urge people not to speculate until the details of this incident are confirmed by the police and avoid posting footage on social media.
A 36-year-old man is now in custody, which police have said they are not treating as terror-related.
A 13-year-old boy has died after being stabbed, Metropolitan Police confirmed this afternoon.
Knife crime offences in London recorded by the Metropolitan Police rose year on year in the latest figures, but have not yet returned to levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some 14,577 offences were recorded in the 12 months to December 2023, Home Office data shows.
This is up 20% from 12,119 in the previous 12 months, but is slightly below the 14,680 in the year to March 2020.
Statement from Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads local policing for the Met’s East Area Command:
You will be aware that a very serious incident occurred here this morning with police and the London Ambulance Service deployed to a number of casualties.
It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured, a 13-year-old boy, has died. He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died shortly afterwards.
The child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers. Everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time.
The events of this morning are truly horrific and I cannot begin to imagine how all those affected must be feeling.
My thoughts are with the injured, their families and the wider community as we all begin to come to terms with what has happened.
I know that there is an understandable desire for answers and an explanation about what happened. Our investigation is in its very early stages and my officers are working to establish the full circumstances as a priority.
A 36-year-old man is currently in custody. He was Tasered and arrested 22 minutes after the first call to police was received shortly before 7am.
I want to reiterate that at present we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community, we are not looking for more suspects and this incident does not appear to be terror-related.
We know now that during the incident five people were injured, three members of the public and two police officers.
The other two members of the public remain in hospital and thankfully their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The two Met officers are also in hospital with stab wounds. Both require surgery and have significant injuries but these are not life-threatening.
I commend the incredible bravery of our officers and the other emergency services who raced to the scene this morning.
I would ask anyone with any information that could help our investigation to call 101.
I know the families of those involved, the community and many across London will want to know why this terrible incident happened.
We are committed to providing those answers when we can and I would ask for patience while this important work is carried out.
