London stabbings not terror-related: police
British officials are questioning a 19-year-old Norwegian of Somali origin over a stabbing spree in London, saying they had found no evidence of terror motives.
A man attacked several civilians yesterday evening at Russell Square in central London. An American woman believed to be in her 60s was killed in the attack.
Among the two women and three men also injured were US, British, Australian and Israeli nationals. Three of the five have been discharged from hospital and the other two are not in a life-threatening condition.
Cities across Europe have been on edge after a string of attacks in recent weeks including those in Paris, Nice and Brussels.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has appealed for calm and vigilance.
"We all have a vital role to play as eyes and ears for our police and security services and in helping to ensure London is protected," he said.
The suspect
The teenage suspect detained by police is said to be of Norwegian nationality and Somali ancestry.
Detectives have since interviewed the suspect and spoken to his family.
Witnesses have also been interviewed, while a full intelligence review was carried out by the police and the security services.
The suspect was shot at the scene with an electric shock gun and detained by armed officers within six minutes of a call made to emergency services.
BBC EXCLUSIVE: Eyewitness footage of Russell Square incident: pic.twitter.com/ii1muJUUh6
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) August 4, 2016