Ask Onix
Suspect appears in court over knife attacks
A 45-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following separate knife attacks on three individuals in London on Wednesday, prosecutors said.
Incidents in north and south London
Essa Suleiman is accused of attacking two Jewish men-Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76-in Golders Green, a neighborhood in north London. Later the same day, he allegedly attempted to murder Ishmail Hussein during a knife attack at Hussein's residence in Southwark, south London. Suleiman and Hussein had known each other for approximately 20 years, according to court statements.
Suleiman also faces a charge of carrying a knife in a public place in Golders Green.
Court appearance and medical episode
Suleiman appeared in court on Friday dressed in a grey police-issued sweatshirt and trousers, with visible bruising around his eyes. He confirmed his name and date of birth but did not enter a plea. Legal reporting restrictions prevent disclosure of the exact address, which is a supported housing facility for mental health patients in south London.
Prosecutor Emma Harraway told the court that Suleiman experienced a medical episode during his arrest and was taken to a hospital for treatment. After being discharged several hours later, he was transferred to Hammersmith custody suite.
Victim status and suspect background
The court heard that Shloime Rand, one of the victims from the Golders Green attack, has since been discharged from the hospital.
Officials stated that Suleiman, born in Somalia, legally entered the UK as a child in the early 1990s and is now a British citizen. He had previously been a patient at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Next steps and security context
Suleiman's case has been referred to the Old Bailey, where he is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on 15 May. He remains in custody.
The UK's terror threat level was elevated to severe on Thursday, following the stabbing incidents. The government noted that the threat level had been rising "for some time" and clarified that the increase was "not solely" due to Wednesday's attacks.
