A man has been charged following a stabbing outside the British Museum – but police don’t believe it was terror related.
The 37-year-old, Brady Wilson, has been charged with a number of offences after a man was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the arm outside the popular tourist hotspot.
Wilson, of no fixed abode, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, wounding with intent against the same victim and three counts of possessing an offensive weapon.
The man who was injured had been waiting in the queue to enter the famous venue in Bloomsbury when he was attacked at around 10am.
The museum was evacuated in the aftermath of the attack and visitors were only allowed back inside three hours later.
The museum is located at the corners of Russell Street and Museum Street, close to the busy shopping street of Tottenham Court Road and close to several university buildings.
Police confirmed it was an “isolated incident” and said they did not believe it was terror-related.
The British Museum released a statement.
It said: “The museum was closed this morning due to an incident following a member of the public being attacked nearby.
“The museum’s security team supported at the scene until the emergency services arrived.”
Visitors were evacuated from the museum as a precaution and we wish the victim a full and swift recovery.
The museum has now reopened with raised security including a heightened search operation.
Former chancellor and chairman of the British Museum, George Osborne, took to Twitter to thank the museum’s security team and staff.
He wrote: “Disturbing news of a knife attack near the gates of the British Museum this am.
“Much thanks to our security team and other BM staff, who reacted quickly, with the police.”
Now charged, Wilson, of no fixed abode, will appear before Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court later today, Thusday, August 10.
