A man armed with a sword attacks passers-by in London, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring four others

LONDON – A man with a sword attacked citizens and police officers in a northeast London suburb on Tuesday, killing a 14-year-old boy and wounding four other people, British authorities said.

A 36-year-old man was subdued with a stun gun and arrested on suspicion of murder in a residential area near the Hainault subway station, police said. The violence was not classified as terrorist or a “targeted attack.”

According to police, the 14-year-old died in hospital from his injuries. Two police officers were taken to hospital for stab wounds. Two other people were also injured.

Chief Supt. Stuart Bell described the incident as “truly horrific”.

“I can’t imagine how those affected must feel,” he said outside the houses in east London where the attack took place.

The Metropolitan Police said they were called early Tuesday to reports that a vehicle had driven into a house on a residential street and people had been stabbed.

Witness videos broadcast in British media showed a man in a yellow hoodie carrying a long sword or knife walking near homes in the area. A video showed police officers shouting “Drop the sword” and “Lock the doors!” As they chased the suspect, he was seen climbing over fences and into people’s gardens.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said police did not believe there was a threat to the general public.

“We are not looking for any other suspects,” he said. “This incident does not appear to be related to terrorism.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the incident as “shocking” and added: “Such violence has no place on our streets.”

King Charles III said his thoughts and prayers were with the young victim’s family and he paid tribute to the bravery of rescue workers, Buckingham Palace said.

Transport for London said Hainault station was closed due to a police investigation in the area.