A 47-year-old woman was arrested after four men were stabbed in central London’s Covent Garden on Thursday afternoon, police said. The incident occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Endell Street, near the Shaftesbury Theatre, a busy area known for its bars, restaurants, and theatres.

The four male victims, aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were taken to hospital for treatment. Two remained hospitalized with injuries described as neither life-threatening nor life-changing, while the other two were discharged following treatment. London Ambulance Service confirmed the patients were transported to a major trauma centre as a priority.

Police officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection unit, who were in the vicinity at the time, responded within minutes. Reports indicate that the woman was armed with a pair of scissors, which were seized by officers at the scene. Several of the officers involved drew Tasers during a tense standoff lasting approximately 15 minutes, during which the suspect swayed and appeared incoherent before being subdued and taken into custody.

Witnesses described the woman as acting erratically, with one bystander noting she appeared “possessed” and incoherent during the police confrontation. Another said she had been seen begging for money in the area prior to the attacks and was a familiar figure to some locals, with suggestions that she might have been connected to nearby homeless services. Police placed a large cordon from High Holborn to the St Mungo’s homeless centre on Endell Street, where officers spoke to individuals for further inquiries. The homeless charity stated it was cooperating with emergency services but could not confirm any direct involvement.

Local business owners and residents expressed shock at the incident, describing the swift police response. One shopkeeper reported a victim running into his establishment with a bloodied shirt seeking help, while others assisted the injured before emergency personnel arrived. Tourists and workers in the area were reportedly caught off guard by the sudden outbreak of violence on an otherwise busy afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in the area, said the investigation was at an early stage but emphasized that the event was currently believed to be an isolated incident linked to mental health. He assured the public that officers would maintain a visible presence in the West End while gathering evidence and thanked the community for their understanding.

The arrested woman remains in police custody on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon. Authorities are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the attack.