One dead, five hurt in central London knife attack

A woman has died and five other people were injured in a knife attack in Russell Square, central London.

Police were called at 22:33 BST on Wednesday to reports of a man injuring people with a knife, including a woman in her 60s who later died.

A 19-year-old man was arrested at 22:39 after a Taser was discharged by an officer. The Met said mental health was a "significant factor" in the events.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for the public to remain "calm and vigilant".

Two other women and three men received various injuries in the attack, Scotland Yard confirmed later.

The Met's assistant commissioner for specialist operations, Mark Rowley, said the force's homicide command was leading the investigation into the attack, with support from the counter-terrorism unit.

The 19-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, is currently under armed guard in hospital.

Paul O'Geibheannaigh, who lives near to the square, said he had seen the body of the woman "on the pavement" and the area was surrounded by a "heavy armed police presence".

"I haven't seen a police presence like that in this area since 7/7," he said, referring to the terror attacks on the London transport system in July 2005.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said he saw the suspect being chased and Tasered.

He said the "guy kept screaming his guts out" and "police were screaming stop, stop, stop".

After the man was Tasered he said the man was on the ground "for at least 30/40 minutes" while police waited for an ambulance.

Zuhair Awartani was trying to return to a hotel where he was staying, when he saw a man "with handcuffs on" who was "put in a police van".

Speaking about a motive for the attack, Rowley said: "Of course at this stage we should keep an open mind regarding motive and consequently terrorism as a motivation remains... one line of inquiry for us to explore."

Rowley added that Londoners would wake to an increased police presence on the streets, including armed officers, to "provide reassurance and safety".

Khan said his "heart goes out to the victims of the incident in Russell Square and their loved ones".

He said police were doing an "incredibly difficult job" and the safety of Londoners was his "number one priority".

The mayor added: "I have spoken with the commissioner, and the assistant commissioner, who have assured me that our police officers are working extremely hard to investigate exactly what has happened and to keep the rest of us safe.

"A man was arrested at the scene. Police have spoken to him and are seeking to establish the full facts including motives for this attack. I urge all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant."

A police forensics tent has been erected on Southampton Row, outside the park in the centre of the square, which is close to the British Museum.

There is a heavy police presence in the area and the initial cordon around the crime scene has been extended, according to BBC reporter Andy Moore at the scene.

The condition of those injured and the extent of their injuries is not known at present.

The woman killed in the attack had been treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Earlier on Wednesday, Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and London Mayor Sadiq Khan had said that there would be more armed police seen on patrol in London.

Sir Bernard announced the move to reassure the public and deter attackers following terror attacks in Europe.