London police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after they say he knifed a woman to death and injured five other people in central London overnight.
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Counter terrorism police are still involved in the investigation, police said at a briefing, as cited by The Telegraph.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said that so far no evidence has been found of radicalisation that would suggest the man in custody was “in any way motivated by terrorism”.
One woman was killed and five people were injured in the attack, which took place late on Wednesday evening.
“But of course at this stage we should keep an open mind regarding motive and, consequently, terrorism as a motivation remains one line of enquiry for us to explore”.
A suspect has been detained, authorities said.
Armed officers raced to the scene shortly after 10.30pm on Wednesday after reports of a man attacking people with a knife.
Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said there was an increased police presence on the streets of the capital, including armed officers. “We would urge the public to remain calm, alert and vigilant”.
Police confirmed the person killed was a 60-year-old American woman. “The safety of all Londoners is my number one priority and my heart goes out to the victims of the incident in Russell Square and their loved ones”, he said.
The area is popular with tourists because of its proximity to museums and central London.
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In the terror attacks of July 7, 2005, the underground subway line running close to Russell Square was hit by the most devastating of the four bombs.
