A 66-year old man, detained on suspicion of attempted murder, after four women were stabbed at a Sainsburys in Hampton, was on bail for assaulting a police officer a DAY before the attack.
An investigation has been launched by detectives from Richmond-Upon-Thames borough, after it was established that the man was arrested in another borough on Thursday (May 19) on suspicion of being in possession of a knife and assaulting a police constable.
The 66-year-old was charged with assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty, and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
He was released on bail from police custody on Friday, (May 20) and then went on to allegedly carry out the attacks on multiple women.
The alarm was raised to police 10.35am, following reports of a man in possession of a knife at The Avenue in Hampton, Richmond-upon-Thames.
Officers attended the Sainsbury's supermarket, where they saw a man who was holding a knife and chasing people, disarmed him and arrested him.
During the arrest a taser was deployed by police, but not discharged.
Four women, aged in their 50s-70s, all suffering knife wounds, were identified at the location.
A 62-year-old victim is currently in a life threatening condition in hospital.
A 67-year-old woman and a 71-year-old woman, were treated by the London Ambulance Service, and taken to hospital where their injuries are not life threatening.
The fourth victim, a 53-year-old, was taken to hospital by London's Air Ambulance where her injuries were initially thought to be life threatening, but is now in a stable condition.
The Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed and have informed the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on Friday (May 20) afternoon.
Police bravery 'worth of praise'
Borough Commander Richmond-Upon-Thames, Chief Superintendent Glenn Tunstall, said: "I would like to praise members of the public who rushed to the aid of the injured women and provided them with first-aid.
"Their bravery and the outstanding courage of the officers who were first on the scene and confronted the armed man is worthy of praise.
"An incident like this will cause considerable concern to the local community, and I would like to reassure them that uniform officers will be patrolling the area and can speak to anyone who has concerns.
"Enquiries are ongoing, but we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident."
The incident is not believed to be terror related.
Witnesses or anyone with any information should contact Richmond CID on 101 (quoting reference 2855/20MAY16) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their website crimestoppers-uk.org.
This month also saw the mother of murdered teenager Jamil Palmer issue an emotional plea , on the anniversary of when her son was stabbed to death in Crane Park, Hanworth.
Meanwhile, police have issued an arrest warrant for Hanworth teenager, Sahal Farhaan, following a knifepoint robbery in a Hampton park.
Earlier this week, police in Hounslow asked for the public to help identify suspects wanted for questioning from CCTV footage.
