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A man has been arrested after a ‘machete-wielding knifeman was seen prowling the streets of Hainault’ in east London – as police respond to reports of a multiple stabbing.
Locals said they awoke to ‘lots of shouting’, ‘piercing screams’ and a man ‘covered in blood’ outside their homes.
It is understood that two police officers and a member of the public have been stabbed.
MailOnline has contacted the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service for comment.
People were seen gathering on the road outside Hainault tube station and a helicopter circling overhead.
Local Daniel Garfinkle, who lives outside the station, told Mail Online: ‘I woke up at 7am to lots of shouting.
‘There was a guy outside covered in blood, near the station and outside my home.
A man ‘weilding a machete’ was seen ‘prowling the streets of east London’
Emergency services outside Hainault tube station this morning
Police cars spotted on a road near to Hainault tube station today
Several police cars and fire engines have been spotted outside the station in east London
‘Police were trying to calm down the man who carried out the stabbing.
‘But he went towards the station. He kept shouting.’
Another local said: ‘There was at least one man lying in a pool of blood.
‘It was horrific. There were these terrible screams I woke to. Piercing screams.
‘People said it was with a machete.’
Redbridge Borough Police confirmed on X that they were responding to an incident in the Hainault area.
They advised people to follow police instructions and that a man had been arrested.
Wes Streeting MP posted on X: ‘A critical incident has been declared in Hainault. There are station and road closures in place.
Police officers gather outside the tube station in east London as they respond to a ‘serious incident’
People were seen gathering on the road outside Hainault tube station and a helicopter circling overhead
Redbridge Borough Police confirmed on X that they were responding to an incident in the Hainault area
‘The police, ambulance service and fire brigade are responding. One male detained.
‘I would urge people not to speculate until details are confirmed or post footage on social media.’
He added: ‘I am in contact with the Met Police, Mayor of London and Redbridge Council.
‘I will keep local residents updated as and when I can.’
This is a breaking news story- more to follow