A 47-year-old woman has been arrested by Metropolitan Police following a stabbing incident in London's Covent Garden on Friday afternoon that left four men injured. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest after being called to reports of a stabbing on Endell Street at approximately 12:30 BST.

The incident occurred in a busy area of central London, prompting a significant emergency service response. The four male victims, aged between 34 and 52, were all transported to hospital. Two of the men remain in hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening or life-changing, while the other two have since been discharged.

The arrested woman was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault. Investigators stated that the incident is believed to be related to mental health. A visible police presence has been maintained in the area to reassure the public and to facilitate the ongoing investigation.

Assistant Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart of the Metropolitan Police stated that officers responded within minutes to multiple reports. He emphasized that while the investigation is in its early stages, authorities currently believe the incident to be isolated and mental-health related. A cordon that had been established on Endell Street, extending to High Holborn and a local homeless centre, has since been removed.

Witnesses described seeing a woman stabbing people with scissors near the Shaftesbury Theatre before moving down Endell Street, where police apprehended her. Arjan Gjorga, who manages a fish and chip shop on Endell Street, reported seeing the woman being arrested shortly after the stabbings occurred, noting the police's swift response. Another witness corroborated this account, stating they saw three people stabbed by the theatre.

Emergency services, including the London Air Ambulance, responded to the scene. Although the air ambulance landed in nearby Trafalgar Square, all victims were taken to hospital by road. An employee at a nearby barber shop recounted assisting one of the victims who ran into their shop to call the police, describing the victim as traumatized and panicked.

A spokesperson for St Mungo's, a homeless charity with a centre on Endell Street, stated they could not confirm if anyone from their organization was involved. The charity expressed its thoughts are with those affected and confirmed they are cooperating with emergency services. Police were observed speaking with individuals before entering the St Mungo's centre.

While the immediate area has returned to normal, the incident has raised concerns about safety in public spaces. The Metropolitan Police have indicated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, and they continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the stabbings.