Police say the Covent Garden attack appears to be an isolated mental health-related incident as four men receive hospital treatment

A 47-year-old woman has been arrested after four men were stabbed in Covent Garden, one of central London’s busiest tourist districts, in what police believe was an isolated Covent Garden Stabbing linked to a mental health crisis.

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The incident unfolded shortly before 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT) on Wednesday, prompting a major emergency response in the popular shopping and entertainment district.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and assault. She remained in police custody on Wednesday afternoon while detectives continued their investigation.

Officers also recovered a pair of scissors at the scene.

The four victims, aged 34, 39, 42 and 52, were taken to hospital for treatment. Police said two of the men remained in hospital, although their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, while the other two were discharged after receiving medical attention.

Providing an update, Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart sought to reassure residents, workers and visitors that there was no indication of a broader threat.

“While still at an early stage of the investigation, we would like to reassure the community that we currently believe this to be an isolated mental health related incident,” Stewart said.

Witnesses described dramatic scenes as police confronted the suspect in the crowded area.

Ahmad, a waiter at a nearby restaurant who declined to give his surname, told AFP that officers pursued the woman before bringing her under control.

“They were chasing away the lady who had a knife in her hand,” he said.

“I saw the lady get tasered by the police, it was the only way they could get her to drop the knife.”

The Metropolitan Police did not confirm whether Tasers were used during the arrest.

Another restaurant worker, identified only as Arjan, said the attack left bystanders shocked as emergency services arrived within minutes.

“We saw people lying down and the police arrived immediately,” he said.

“We know the lady. I don’t know her name but she is always on this street, she was homeless and never wore shoes.”

Arjan added that many of those caught up in the incident struggled to comprehend what had happened.

“Even the victims, they didn’t believe what was happening,” he said.

Police sealed off the section of Covent Garden where the attack occurred, with officers establishing a security cordon around streets lined with restaurants, shops and outdoor seating areas as forensic investigators examined the scene.

Images published by British media also showed an air ambulance landing in nearby Trafalgar Square to support the emergency response.

Covent Garden is one of London’s busiest commercial and cultural destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year with its theatres, restaurants, markets and street performers.

Although violent incidents in the area are relatively uncommon, the attack temporarily disrupted businesses and pedestrian movement as police carried out their investigation.

Authorities have not indicated any evidence of terrorism or suggested that the attack was connected to any wider public safety threat.

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Detectives are expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect’s mental health, while appealing for anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward.