A 32-year-old man has been charged following a stabbing incident involving an 11-year-old girl in central London’s Leicester Square.
Ioan Pintaru faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon, just hours after the young girl was attacked.
Early reports initially suggested that the girl’s 34-year-old mother had also been injured during the incident. However, police later clarified that what was thought to be the mother’s wounds was actually her daughter’s blood mistakenly attributed to her.
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The incident occurred at approximately 11:34 a.m. on Monday, when officers were called to the scene after receiving reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found the girl suffering from stab wounds. She was promptly taken to the hospital, where her injuries were determined to be serious but not life-threatening.
Pintaru, who is currently without a fixed address, has been placed in custody and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Abdullah, a 29-year-old shop security guard, recounted how he heard a scream and witnessed the attack, prompting him to intervene. He explained how he “jumped on” the man and managed to restrain him, disarming him in the process. “I just saw a kid getting stabbed and I just tried to save her. It’s my duty to just save them,” Abdullah stated. Along with his colleagues, he provided first aid to the girl until police arrived within minutes.
Authorities have since commended the courageous actions of those who stepped in to protect the young victim.
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