Four hospitalised after stabbing on Endell Street, Covent Garden

Four people were taken to hospital after a stabbing on Endell Street in Covent Garden on the afternoon of 15 October 2024. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident but have not released the names, ages, or conditions of the victims. A spokesperson told This Is Local London that officers were called to the scene at approximately 14:45.

Endell Street, which runs between High Holborn and Neal Street, was cordoned off shortly after police arrived. The area around Seven Dials, a busy junction with shops and restaurants, was closed to pedestrians and vehicles. Police tape remained in place as forensic teams conducted searches late into the evening.

No arrests or suspect descriptions released

As of 19:00 on 15 October, the Metropolitan Police had not made any arrests. A police spokesperson said it was unclear whether the incident involved a single attacker or multiple suspects. No descriptions of those involved have been provided to the public. The force has appealed for witnesses who were in the area between 14:30 and 15:00 to come forward.

Local businesses reported disruption. A manager at a café on Endell Street, who asked not to be named, told This Is Local London that police instructed staff to remain inside while officers secured the scene. "We could see people being treated on the pavement before ambulances arrived," the manager said. "It was chaotic for about half an hour."

Impact on residents and transport

Transport for London advised passengers to avoid the area. Bus routes 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98, and 242 were diverted away from Endell Street. The nearest Tube stations, Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road, remained open but experienced delays as police conducted checks.

Residents in nearby flats were told to stay indoors while officers carried out door-to-door enquiries. A spokesperson for Westminster City Council said the council was in contact with the police but had no further information to share. The council’s emergency planning team was not activated, indicating no wider threat was identified.

What happens next

The Metropolitan Police said the investigation was in its early stages. A spokesperson confirmed that detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command would lead the enquiry if any of the victims’ injuries were found to be life-threatening. As of 21:00 on 15 October, no updates on the victims’ conditions had been released.

The police cordon on Endell Street is expected to remain in place for at least 24 hours. Residents and business owners have been advised to check the Metropolitan Police website or local news outlets for updates. Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are urged to call 101 or submit information anonymously via Crimestoppers.