A man named Ioan Pintaru, aged 32, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article after an 11-year-old girl was stabbed in Leicester Square while out with her mother. The incident took place near the Lego store in the busy London tourist hotspot. The girl’s mother, aged 34, was initially thought to have been injured as well, but it was later clarified that she was not hurt.
The young girl was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The Metropolitan Police have stated that there is no indication that this was a terror-related attack, and there is no known connection between the suspect and the victims. Leicester Square, known for its shops, theatres, cinemas, and restaurants, attracts around 2.5 million visitors weekly.
The stabbing occurred near the TWG Tea shop, next to the Lego store and in front of the M&M’s store. A security guard from a nearby shop intervened to help the girl during the attack. Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah described the incident as horrific and expressed condolences to the victims and their family. She also commended the members of the public and local business staff who courageously stepped in to assist during the incident.
Emergency services responded to the scene promptly after receiving reports of the stabbing. The London Ambulance Service dispatched multiple units, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic, and an incident response officer. Both the child and the adult were treated at the scene before being taken to a major trauma center for further care.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident, providing support to the victims and their family. The suspect, Ioan Pintaru, has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The community has shown resilience and unity in the face of this tragic event, with individuals coming together to help those in need.
Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community support in times of crisis. The bravery and quick thinking of those who intervened undoubtedly made a difference in the outcome of this situation. As the investigation unfolds, the authorities will work to ensure that justice is served and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
