South London stabbing attack: What we know

At least three people were injured in a stabbing attack in Streatham, a neighborhood in South London Sunday, according to the city’s Metropolitan Police. Government officials have deemed the stabbings a “terrorist incident.”

Police confirmed that the suspect, who witnesses say wielded a machete and had “silver canisters” attached to his chest, was shot and killed by armed officers on the scene. The identity of the suspect is not known at this time.

The attack comes two months after a similar knife attack on the London Bridge killed three people and injured two.

Nineteen-year-old student Gulled Bulhan claims to have witnessed the shooting on Streatham High Road.

“I was crossing the road when I saw a man with a machete and silver canisters on his chest being chased by what I assume was an undercover police officer - as they were in civilian clothing,” Bulhan said. “The man was then shot. I think I heard three gunshots but I can’t quite remember. After that I ran into the library to get to safety.”

Once safely inside, he said that police ordered everyone to stay inside until the scene could be contained.

The story is still developing. Here’s what we know, and don’t so far:

What we know

• At least three people were wounded shortly before 2 pm local time in a stabbing attack.
• One of those victims is believed to be in a serious condition. The second was taken to the hospital for wounds that were not life-threatening. The third was taken to the hospital for minor injuries from falling glass after police discharged their weapons.
• Police have confirmed that armed officers shot and killed the suspect.
• Police have said the stabbing was “terrorist-related.”
• Streatham’s Parliament representative Bell Ribeiro-Addy said the suspect was a man police “had been watching for some time.”
• Government officials have praised police and emergency services for quickly containing the attack. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, “Thank you to all emergency services responding to the incident in Streatham. ... My thoughts are with the injured and all those affected.”
• An investigation is set to begin immediately by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is required to investigate when police use lethal force.

What we don’t know

• The identities of the people who were wounded.
• The suspect’s identity.

We have a request

Vox's journalism is free because we believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, consumers and stewards of this planet. In short, understanding benefits everyone. You can join in on this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Reader support helps keep our work free, for everyone. Will you join us?

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $120/year

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via