Heroic Security Guard Stops Leicester Square Knife Attack: Two Injured in Horrific Incident

[Social Media]

 

A shocking and violent attack unfolded in London’s bustling Leicester Square, leaving an 11-year-old girl and her 34-year-old mother injured after a random stabbing. The incident occurred in broad daylight, in front of horrified workers and tourists, and was only brought to an end by the quick and brave actions of a local security guard.

 

 

The attacker, a 32-year-old man, who is not believed to have known his victims, was quickly subdued and disarmed by the security guard, Abdullah, who works at the TWG Tea shop located in Leicester Square. Abdullah, 29, described how he sprang into action after hearing a scream, witnessing the man stabbing the young girl. He immediately intervened, tackling the assailant and taking the knife from him while others helped hold the man down until the police arrived.

 

 

"I heard a scream," Abdullah recounted to the PA news agency. "I saw there was one person, roughly [in their] mid-30s or early 30s, and he was like stabbing a kid—I jumped on him, held the hand in which he was [carrying] a knife, and just put him down on the floor and just held him and took the knife away from him." Abdullah's quick response, along with the help of others, ensured that the attacker was restrained until police arrived on the scene, taking the man into custody within minutes.

 

The girl, who was reportedly grabbed and held in a headlock by the attacker before being stabbed, sustained serious injuries, particularly near her right eye. Despite the severity of her injuries, medical professionals have indicated that her condition is not life-threatening. Her mother also sustained minor injuries during the attack. Both victims were taken to the hospital by paramedics, where the girl continues to receive treatment.

 

 

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the incident. Desmond, a 45-year-old street performer known for his Darth Vader costume, described the chilling moment he saw the attack. "When I looked to my side, I saw a young man... stabbing her several [times] with a knife," he said. "It was so terrible, I’ve never seen a thing like that. I was heartbroken; I saw the woman was screaming with all her strength."

 

Another witness, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that the suspect had been seen earlier in the day, behaving erratically, "standing, doing nothing, eating and talking to himself."

 

 

The attacker, described as a white, skinny male wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, was quickly apprehended, and a police cordon was established around the scene, particularly around the entrance to the TWG Tea shop where the incident occurred.

 

Ezat Katerzis, a manager with the Toot buses tour company, described the suspect as appearing “mentally disturbed,” suggesting that the attack was unprovoked and possibly influenced by the assailant's mental state. “It looked like he had something missing. He just stabbed the girl out of the blue. She was with her family,” Katerzis told The Guardian. He detailed the aftermath, noting the blood pouring from the girl's face and speculated that she was likely a tourist based on her appearance.

 

Katerzis further described the attacker’s demeanor as disconnected and unresponsive, suggesting that he might have been under the influence of drugs. “I think the guy was mentally disturbed. He is only a skinny guy. He didn’t say anything when they arrested him and took him to the van. It was like he was on drugs or something. I don’t think it was a robbery. He just started stabbing her for no reason.”

Another witness, Joy Akan, who also works for Toot buses, captured footage of the suspect after his arrest. The video, timestamped at 11:41 am, shows a lightly built man in a black T-shirt featuring an Abbey Road logo, wearing black tracksuit trousers. The video has circulated widely, illustrating the chaotic and disturbing nature of the incident.

 

In response to the attack, DCS Christina Jessah, who oversees policing for Westminster, called the event a “horrific incident” and praised the bravery of those who intervened. "The members of the public, including staff from local businesses, who bravely intervened in this incident... showed the best of London in doing so,” she stated, underscoring the courage displayed by ordinary citizens in the face of violence.

 

As the Metropolitan Police continue their investigation, the focus remains on understanding the motive behind the attack and ensuring the safety of the public. The incident has shocked the local community and tourists alike, serving as a reminder of the unpredictability of such acts of violence. While the police have indicated that the attack is not being treated as terrorism-related, the urgency of the investigation reflects the serious nature of the crime and its impact on those involved.

 

 

Credit: The Guardian  2024-08-13

 

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

[herfiehandbag]

Well done Mr Abdullah.

 

A very brave young man.

[Chomper Higgot]

11 minutes ago, Social Media said:

"I heard a scream," Abdullah recounted to the PA news agency. "I saw there was one person, roughly [in their] mid-30s or early 30s, and he was like stabbing a kid—I jumped on him, held the hand in which he was [carrying] a knife, and just put him down on the floor and just held him and took the knife away from him." Abdullah's quick response, along with the help of others, ensured that the attacker was restrained until police arrived on the scene, taking the man into custody within minutes.

Stunning bravery and quick life saving action by Abdullah.

 

The right man in the right place at the right time.

 

Well done young man, your hero.

[candide]

A white attacker and a Muslim hero who stopped the attack. The perfect conditions for a crime thread to be deserted by (far) right-wing posters! 😃

[youreavinalaff]

6 minutes ago, candide said:

A white attacker and a Muslim hero who stopped the attack. The perfect conditions for a crime thread to be deserted by (far) right-wing posters! 😃

Don't worry. There'll be some comments soon that the culprit shouted Allāhu ʾakbar  as he committed the crime. 😄😄

[RayC]

Abdullah converted to Christianity the day before. It's a fact. I read it on the Interweb.

[riclag]

I watched  some of the interview it was very difficult understanding the situation !

Sub titles are appropriate and appreciated!

imop

[Chomper Higgot]

51 minutes ago, riclag said:

I watched  some of the interview it was very difficult understanding the situation !

Sub titles are appropriate and appreciated!

imop

Let me help you out.

 

A white guy was stabbing a young girl with a knife in the middle of Trafalgar square.

 

A young man called Abdullah, see photo above, was the right man, in the right place at the right time. 
 

While unarmed himself and with complete disregard for his own safety he tackled the knife wielding attacker, subdued him and took the knife from him.

 

His swift and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the girl’s life and perhaps the lives of others too.

 

Abdullah is very clearly a hero, don’t you agree?!

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

2 hours ago, riclag said:

I watched  some of the interview it was very difficult understanding the situation !

Sub titles are appropriate and appreciated!

imop

It seemed remarkably clear to me. Abdullah saw the woman and child being attacked, went to their aid, disarmed the attacker and held him until the Police arrived.

[Nick Carter icp]

2 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

It seemed remarkably clear to me. Abdullah saw the woman and child being attacked, went to their aid, disarmed the attacker and held him until the Police arrived.

 

   He was the security guard, that is his job 

[Nick Carter icp]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Let me help you out.

 

A white guy

 

 

   Why is the guys skin colour relevant ?

[nauseus]

3 hours ago, candide said:

A white attacker and a Muslim hero who stopped the attack. The perfect conditions for a crime thread to be deserted by (far) right-wing posters! 😃

 

I wouldn't describe these as 'perfect conditions' for anything - but each to their own.

 

From his name, it is likely that the attacker is of Romanian origin - no motive/reason for the attack given so far, I think?

 

I assume that Abdullah is Muslim. He was clear, brief and modest in his interview. His courage has hopefully prevented two more deaths and he is a hero by any measure. I hope he is recognized with a commendation. Over to  you, Your Majesty!

 

Best Wishes

 

R. Winger

[herfiehandbag]

23 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   He was the security guard, that is his job 

He was the security guard at an adjacent "tea shop", which in this case I suspect means a shop selling expensive tea making paraphernalia to tourists rather than selling brews! Either way, I would imagine that his job description covers preventing and apprehending shoplifters on the premises rather than tackling knife men in the street; which makes his acts remarkable and praiseworthy.

[DaLa]

Sad that a Tea Shop has to have a security guard. Regardless, brave man for acting. Fortunately it appears the two victims will recover physically, unfortunately they will probably suffer mentally for many years if not for the rest of their lives.

[herfiehandbag]

29 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Why is the guys skin colour relevant ?

It is not, except to help provide an accurate description of the incident 

[Nick Carter icp]

10 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

He was the security guard at an adjacent "tea shop", which in this case I suspect means a shop selling expensive tea making paraphernalia to tourists rather than selling brews! Either way, I would imagine that his job description covers preventing and apprehending shoplifters on the premises rather than tackling knife men in the street; which makes his acts remarkable and praiseworthy.

 

   He's no hero , a hero is someone who reminds a 7/11 girl to scan his 43 Baht burger

[Chomper Higgot]

52 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Why is the guys skin colour relevant ?

Why did you feel the need to truncate my post?

[herfiehandbag]

16 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   He's no hero , a hero is someone who reminds a 7/11 girl to scan his 43 Baht burger

🦩

 

Why the pink flamingo you may ask?

Well, it is no more bizarre than your comment!

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Let me help you out.

 

A white guy was stabbing a young girl with a knife in the middle of Trafalgar square.

 

A young man called Abdullah, see photo above, was the right man, in the right place at the right time. 
 

While unarmed himself and with complete disregard for his own safety he tackled the knife wielding attacker, subdued him and took the knife from him.

 

His swift and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the girl’s life and perhaps the lives of others too.

 

Abdullah is very clearly a hero, don’t you agree?!

 

 

   OK, Why is his Skin colour relevant ?

[Chomper Higgot]

55 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   He was the security guard, that is his job 

His ‘job’ that he gets paid for was to perform security duties at the pre used he was assigned to.

 

Not the whole of Trafalgar Square.

 

[Chomper Higgot]

18 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   He's no hero , a hero is someone who reminds a 7/11 girl to scan his 43 Baht burger

Utterly shameless.

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   OK, Why is his Skin colour relevant ?

Ask the author of the article which I summarized.

[Nick Carter icp]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Utterly shameless.

 

   You would need to read the other thread for it to make sense , 

[herfiehandbag]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Utterly shameless.

He is trolling Chomper, he is trolling!

[Nick Carter icp]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Ask the author of the article which I summarized.

 

   You wrote it and I was asking you why you wrote it , why is his skin colour relevant ?

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, herfiehandbag said:

He is trolling Chomper, he is trolling!

I don’t think he is.

 

I think he’s just bitter. 
 

He, and a number of others, just can’t bring themselves to make any statement recognizing this young man’s outstanding bravery.

 
 

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   You wrote it and I was asking you why you wrote it , why is his skin colour relevant ?

No I didn’t write the article Nick, I summered it for a guy having difficulty understanding.

 

But, let’s put a pin in that objection you have to the mention of someone being white, well come back to it I’m sure.

[chickenslegs]

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

His ‘job’ that he gets paid for was to perform security duties at the pre used he was assigned to.

 

Not the whole of Trafalgar Square.

 

*Leicester Square

 

Pedantic - sorry

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, chickenslegs said:

*Leicester Square

 

Pedantic - sorry

My bad, thanks for the correction.

[Nick Carter icp]

3 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

But, let’s put a pin in that objection you have to the mention of someone being white, well come back to it I’m sure.

 

  False accusation there .

I have not objecting to you pointing out his skin colour

I just asked you why you needed to mention  it 

Its just considered to be racist these days , if you use a persons skin colour to describe them