Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Police hunt man who has been stabbing people at random on London’s streets

In the first attack, a 42-year-old man was left with knife injuries to his ear when he was attacked in Hayes

Margaret Davis
Tuesday 09 July 2024 11:27 EDT
Police are looking for a man believed to be have been involved in four separate knife attacks (Metropolitan Police/PA)
Police are looking for a man believed to be have been involved in four separate knife attacks (Metropolitan Police/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Head shot of Andrew Feinberg

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Four men have been stabbed in a series of unprovoked attacks in less than a week in west London.

Detectives released a CCTV still of the suspected knifeman on Tuesday, after the victims were left with “significant injuries”.

In the first attack, a 42-year-old man was left with knife injuries to his ear when he was attacked in Glencoe Road, Hayes, at about 9.30am on Wednesday July 3.

The suspect was a muscular black man, about 35 years old with straight dark hair and wearing dark clothes.

Four days later on July 7, another man, aged 41, was attacked by a man wearing a hoodie and white gloves at about 10am near a bus stop also in Glencoe Road, Hayes, causing him multiple cuts to his face and neck.

Later, at 10pm on the same day in Friar Road, Hayes, a man wearing a hoodie, white T-shirt and dark trousers slashed a 57-year-old in the face with a knife.

The following day at about 3.10am, a 47-year-old man was attacked in Yeading Lane, Hayes, by a suspect wearing black clothing and a puffer jacket, causing injury to the victim’s eye.

Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall said: “We are very concerned about these attacks, which have left four men with significant injuries.

“It is clear we need to catch the man responsible as soon as possible. I would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured to contact police immediately.

“I understand there will be concern in the community about these incidents and so we have increased resources and patrols in the Hayes area to provide reassurance.”

Anyone with information or who recognises the suspect can call police on 101, quoting CAD 2585/03Jul, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in