Four men stabbed in Covent Garden, 47-year-old woman arrested

Four men were stabbed on Endell Street in Covent Garden shortly after midday on 5 August 2026. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the victims, aged 34, 39, 42 and 52, were taken to a major trauma centre by London Ambulance Service. Their injuries are not yet known.

A 47-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault. She was taken into custody and remains there, as reported by the Metropolitan Police. Officers recovered a pair of scissors at the location.

Police treat incident as mental health-related

The Metropolitan Police said the stabbing is believed to be mental health-related. A spokesperson for the force asked for sensitive reporting of the incident, as stated in a report by This Is Local London.

Emergency services responded to the scene at 12:27. London Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and London’s Air Ambulance. All four victims were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital by road.

Scene remains cordoned off

Police established a cordon on Endell Street and surrounding areas in Covent Garden. MyLondon reported the cordon starts at High Holborn and covers the St Mungo’s homeless centre. Officers were seen speaking to people before they entered the building.

Restaurants adjacent to the cordon towards Long Acre continued trading. The nearest Tube stations, Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Covent Garden, remain open, though police presence is heavy in the area.

Witness describes attack

A witness at the Craft Beer Co on Endell Street told LBC the woman approached members of the public outside the theatre showing *Avenue Q*. The witness said she stabbed two men in the back before running down Endell Street and attacking others.

What happens next

The Metropolitan Police continue their investigation. Officers remain at the scene and are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting CAD3449/05AUG, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.