A 32-YEAR-OLD MAN has been charged following the serious stabbing of an 11-year-old girl in London yesterday.

In a statement this morning Westminster police said that at the early stages of their investigation they don’t believe the suspect and the victims were known to each other.

While work continues to establish the suspect’s motive, at present police believe “there is nothing to indicate the attack was terror-related”.

A girl, aged 11, was taken to hospital with stabbing injuries following the incident in Leicester Square, a busy area thronged with families and tourists.

The girl is seriously injured and will require further treatment, but her condition is not life threatening according to police.

Her mother, aged 34, also suffered minor injuries.

Police were called at 11:34am yesterday and officers were on scene within minutes.

The wounded mother and girl received emergency first aid until the arrival of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, in charge of policing for Westminster, said it was a “horrific incident” and their thr thoughts are with the victims and their family.

“We will continue to provide support to them over the coming days and weeks,” Jessah said.

“I would like to pay tribute to the members of the public, including staff from local businesses, who bravely intervened in this incident. They put themselves at risk and showed the best of London in doing so.

“An urgent investigation is now ongoing and detectives are working to establish the details around exactly what happened.

“Detectives will be keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and may have information that can assist with their enquiries. I would urge anyone who can help to get in touch.”

Witnesses, or anyone with footage or photos of the incident, are asked to call 101 or to contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, giving the reference 2745/12AUG