A man has been accused of trying to murder an 11-year-old girl in Leicester Square. The police in London said they were called to the scene of a stabbing on Monday where they found the girl with stab wounds. She was taken to the hospital, and while her injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening, according to the police.
The man, Ioan Pintaru, 32, who does not have a permanent address, has been charged with attempted murder and possessing a bladed weapon. He was remanded in custody and is set to appear in court on Tuesday.
Initially, it was thought that the girl’s mother, a 34-year-old woman, was also injured in the incident. However, it was later clarified that the blood seen was from her daughter’s wounds and not her own.
The incident took place in a busy area of Leicester Square, which sees around 2.5 million visitors every week. The area is known for its shops, theaters, cinemas, and restaurants. The attack occurred near the TWG Tea shop, next to the Lego store and in front of the M&Ms store.
During the attack, a security guard from a nearby shop intervened to help the girl. Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah described the incident as horrific and expressed sympathy for the victims and their family. She praised the members of the public and local business staff who courageously stepped in to assist during the attack.
In addition to the shocking incident, it is important to highlight the issue of knife crime in London. The city has seen a rise in knife-related incidents in recent years, prompting authorities to take measures to address this concerning trend. Initiatives such as increased police presence, community engagement, and education programs have been implemented to combat knife crime and ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the city.
It is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or incidents to the authorities. By working together and supporting each other, we can create a safer environment for everyone in London and prevent such tragic events from happening in the future.
