Eleven-year-old Australian girl had to undergo cosmetic surgery after being stabbed eight times in London
LONDON (TND) — An 11-year-old girl was attacked in London’s Leicester Square on Monday, suffered eight stab wounds and had to undergo cosmetic surgery, several media outlets reported.
Ioan Pintaru, a 32-year-old Romanian national, put the girl in a headlock before stabbing her, prosecutors told the Associated Press.
A court was told on Tuesday that the girl had to undergo plastic surgery for wounds on her face, shoulder, wrist and neck, prosecutor David Burns said.
Although no motive was given for the attack, police previously stated that there was no evidence of a terrorist attack.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that it was providing consular assistance to two Australians injured in London.
“We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” a spokesperson told The National Desk.
Assistance may include contacting or visiting local hospitals, liaising with local authorities, providing lists of healthcare providers, and assisting in communicating with family members or designated contacts.
Pintaru was charged with attempted murder and possession of a “bladed article”. The Metropolitan Police added that he had “no fixed address”.
Police were dispatched to Leicester Square shortly before midday on Monday after the girl was found with stab wounds.
It was initially believed that her 34-year-old mother had also been stabbed, but police concluded that the blood came from her daughter’s injuries.
According to AP, Pintaru is scheduled to appear before the Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, on September 10.