Leicester Square stabbing: Man charged with 11-year-old girl’s attempted murder in London

In the court hearing today, prosecutor stated that Pintaru allegedly put the girl in a headlock and stabbed her eight times. She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Pintaru was remanded in custody by tje Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and is set to appear at the Old Bailey on September 10.

The police were called to Leicester Square, a popular tourist spot, after reports of stabbing on Monday morning. According to the court, Pintaru approached the girl and her mother around 11.30 am local time. The girl suffered injuries to her face, shoulder, neck, and wrist, and remains in hospital, possibly requiring plastic surgery.

Pintaru communicated through an interpreter to confirm his name, date of birth, and lack of a fixed address.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack, but police have stated that there is no indication the stabbing was terror-related and they do not believe the suspect knew the mother or daughter.

The girl’s mother was not injured, although she appeared to be because she was covered in her daughter’s blood.

The stabbing comes amid a recent surge in knife attacks in Britain. In several cities and towns, clashes have erupted between crowds chanting anti-immigrant and Islamophobic slogans and the police. These disturbances were incited by far-right activists who spread misinformation about a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event that killed three girls.