A man arrested after a stabbing at Central Middlesex Hospital yesterday is now in police custody.
Armed officers were among those responding after calls at 13:18hrs on Wednesday, 21 June to reports that two people had been stabbed.
Officers found two men – both believed to be aged in their 40s – with stab injuries. Both are believed to have been attacked with a mattock.
The conditions of both men are not being treated as life-threatening. The second victim’s injuries may be life-changing. Both continue to receive treatment in hospital and their next of kin are aware.
Police located a man, also aged in his 40s, outside the hospital. He was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder. He was conveyed to hospital having sustained injuries that are believed to have been self-inflicted.
His condition was later assessed as not life-threatening. He has since been discharged from hospital into police custody.
As a result of their enquiries police have further arrested on him suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, affray, and a third count of attempted murder. However this victim was fortunate not to have sustained any injuries.
The incident is not being treated as terror-related.
Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones, acting commander for policing in Brent, said: “This is a shocking incident that of course will have been incredibly distressing for hospital staff, and those attending and visiting others.
“Our NHS colleagues acted quickly, and with incredible courage, to report the incident and lock the hospital down to ensure the safety of their patients. Our officers – armed and unarmed – responded within minutes and entered the building without a second thought for their own safety, not knowing at the time exactly what they were dealing with. I am enormously proud of everyone who responded to this incident. Once again, we see police officers running towards danger to keep the public safe. I also want to commend the detectives who deployed as soon as possible to secure the evidence and continue to work around the clock to deliver justice for the victims.
“While our enquiries are ongoing, I can say that both the suspect and victims are contracted hospital staff who are known to each other. We are satisfied that no one else is sought in connection, there were no reported injuries to any patients or visitors.
“We continue to establish exactly what happened and any witnesses are urged to come forward.”
Pippa Nightingale, Chief Executive of London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to our colleagues for keeping our patients and staff safe, especially those members of staff who were first at the scene of the incident.
“Their professionalism is to be applauded along with the Metropolitan Police, the London Ambulance Service and all other agencies who have supported the Trust throughout the incident.”
Witnesses/ those with information should call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 3804/21 Jun
