London’s Metropolitan Police said officers detained the suspect shortly before 12:30 pm local time on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon. A pair of scissors was recovered at the scene.

Police treat incident as mental health-related

Witnesses reported that officers used a taser to restrain the woman, who was known locally as an unhoused person who frequently stayed in the area.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart said authorities are treating the incident as an isolated case linked to mental health concerns.

Victims hospitalised after attack

The four victims, aged between 34 and 52, were taken to hospital. Two were discharged within hours, while the other two suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The area was sealed off by police for several hours, with emergency services responding quickly, including an air ambulance sent to nearby Trafalgar Square.