London News: Swift Met Police Response as Man Who Stabbed 11-Year-Old Girl Is Sentenced

A man who stabbed an 11-year-old girl in a horrifying attack in Leicester Square has been sentenced, after Met Police officers arrested him within just four minutes of the incident.

Ioan-Alexandru Pintaru, 33, of no fixed address, was tackled and disarmed by courageous members of the public before officers rapidly arrived and detained him. His arrest came moments after the shocking attack, underlining the speed and effectiveness of the police response in one of London’s busiest tourist areas.

Pintaru pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on Friday, 3 October.

At the Old Bailey yesterday, Tuesday, 16 December, he was sentenced to a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, with an additional restriction order under Section 41. This means he could potentially be detained indefinitely to protect the public.

Detective Constable Laura Nicoll, from the Met’s specialist crime team, led the investigation and described the devastating impact of the attack.

“The girl was leaving the Lego Store in Leicester Square with her mum after buying presents for her family, while visiting the city on holiday.

“This innocent scene was shattered when Ioan-Alexandru Pintaru violently stabbed her with a knife. It was a savage and brutal attack that left the city in shock.”

She highlighted how bravery and professionalism helped save the child’s life.

“But following the most appalling scene, we also saw the best of London – a security guard who raced from his post without a thought of his own safety, the off-duty nurse who tended to the little girl’s wounds.

“Without them, she might not be alive today. The guard was commended by the court, and we would like to add to that our sincere admiration for his selfless act.”

Detective Constable Nicoll also stressed the importance of visible and rapid policing in the capital.

“This happened in the very heart of London, an area which is currently packed with tourists visiting over Christmas. We continue to work tirelessly to prevent further violence on our streets.”

The brave security guard, Abdullah, 30, later spoke about his actions.

“It was a purely selfless and instinctive response, driven by a sense of responsibility to help someone in danger. I’m grateful that this was acknowledged and that the child is safe.”

The victim, an Australian tourist, was leaving the toy shop with her mother at around 11.30hrs on Monday, 12 August 2024, when she was suddenly and randomly attacked.

Brandishing a knife, Pintaru grabbed the child in a headlock and stabbed her repeatedly, causing injuries to her eye, neck, chest and shoulder. She was rushed to hospital, where she received urgent treatment.

In a powerful witness statement read out in court, the girl’s mother said Pintaru attacked her daughter ‘like a jackhammer, repeatedly stabbing’. She described him as ‘wide-eyed and manic like nothing was going to stop him’.

The attack was captured on CCTV, which played a crucial role in securing the charges against him.

A security guard, hearing the girl scream, ran from the doorway of a nearby teashop where he was working and put his own life at risk to save hers. He grabbed Pintaru’s hand, disarmed him, and kicked the knife out of reach. With the help of two other men, he detained the attacker until police arrived.

The injured child was taken into a nearby shop, where a passing nurse provided immediate first aid.

Police were called at 11.34hrs and were on scene within four minutes. Pintaru was arrested at the scene and later that same day charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

Pintaru was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and claimed he believed people were trying to kill him, though he stated he did not intend to harm anyone.

Pintaru has been sentenced.

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