A man has been arrested after two people were injured in a suspected stabbing spree at Central Middlesex Hospital in what police have described as a “major incident.”
Armed police were called to the scene in northwest London shortly after 2 p.m. following reports of a stabbing, and a hospital ward has been placed in lockdown as police secure the site.
Reports from patients at the hospital reveal they have been ushered into safe rooms.
The BBC reported that two people have been treated by paramedics so far, but warn that number is expected to rise.
“We were called today (21 June) at 1:18 pm to reports of an incident at Central Middlesex Hospital,” said a spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an incident response officer, an advanced paramedic, an ambulance crew, a medic in a fast response car, and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
“We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance. Our teams have so far treated two people at the scene. The incident is still ongoing,” they added.
The Metropolitan Police tweeted: “We’re aware of an incident at Central Middlesex Hospital in Brent. Armed officers are among those responding. A man has been arrested. More information to follow.”
London North West University Healthcare, the trust which runs the hospital, tweeted: “There’s an ongoing incident at Central Middlesex Hospital. Please follow any instructions given to you by the police.”
Staff and patients in other areas of the building have been evacuated.
UPDATE: A statement from the Metropolitan Police revealed that one of the victims is suffering life-threatening injuries, while the condition of the man detained by armed police is considered “critical” after sustaining self-inflicted wounds.
“Police arrested a man outside the hospital. He has also been conveyed to hospital having received injuries that are believed to be self-inflicted. His condition is being treated as life-threatening.
“Officers will remain in the hospital as further searches are conducted but at this time they are satisfied that no one else is sought.
“Police are working to establish the circumstances. At this time the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
“The hospital was temporarily locked down but has now re-opened and will be operating services as normal. There is a heightened police presence at the hospital while we investigate.”
