UPDATE: Statement from Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe and emergency service partners at the scene of the Hainault attack

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe speaking from the scene of the Hainault attack.

I’d like to update you with some further detail following the terrible incident we saw unfold this morning.

I am pleased we have been joined by partners from London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and Redbridge Council who are working closely with us.

Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the 14-year-old boy who very sadly died at the scene. We will be there to provide every possible support to them and ensure we get them the answers they need.

We are also thinking of the two other members of public who were injured, as well as brave officers stabbed during the incident.

The 36-year-old man arrested at the scene is currently in hospital, having suffered injuries when his van collided with a building. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder. At this time, given his injuries, we have been unable to interview him.

We know there is speculation about his background, including police contact with him.

Despite urgent checks of our system today we have found no trace of a prior incident involving him so far, but we will of course continue to make those enquiries.

As a matter of urgency we are trying to understand exactly what happened and why.

This was, and is, a fast-moving, complex incident and investigation, and it will take us some time to establish the facts. This will be our priority in the coming days.

With the suspect in custody we are satisfied there is no threat to the wider community, but this is an incident which has clearly shocked everyone, and over the coming days you will see a significant police presence in this area and we will be remaining here increasing our patrols and ensuring the community are safe and supported.

Please speak to our officers.

We are really keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident or has any relevant information and would ask they come forward as soon as possible.

We are turning our focus to the wider community, and in particular how the incident has impacted young people.

We’ve set up a team of local officers specifically to respond to local community concerns.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to ask people to think very carefully about what they post on social media.

There are some graphic images circulating online and people should consider the impact of this on the families and those who are closely affected by this incident.