Knifeman was 'community care patient'

A man who stabbed three people in an attack in Brixton was a care-in-the-community patient, it is believed.

The 44-year-old is expected to be charged with attempted murder later, accused of knifing a 10-year-old boy, a woman aged 86, and a 31-year-old man in front of dozens of shoppers.

Police sources said the man, who has not been named, is believed to suffer from schizophrenia. They are hoping to learn more about his mental history when they interview him today.

Detectives are also investigating whether the CS spray with which they attempted to restrain him failed to work because of his mental condition. Recent research has shown that the noxious gas may not be as effective on schizophrenics.

The three victims are all in a stable condition, although the man has undergone extensive surgery at King's College Hospital. But doctors are deeply concerned about the psychological effects on all three.

Superintendent Jerry Savill, in charge of operations in Brixton, said today: "It's an absolute mystery why anyone would resort to such violence. It's difficult to comprehend what could motivate anyone to do this."

The incident began when the suspect, wielding a 12inch knife, was seen chasing a man along Brixton Road moments before the stabbing.

Two officers confronted the suspect in Electric Avenue. The man sprinted away, stabbing the trio who were waiting at a bus stop before he was tackled by officers using CS spray and batons.

The child, who was with his mother, and the pensioner, who was with her husband, were stabbed in the back while the adult male victim was knifed in the stomach and arm in front of shoppers shortly after 1pm yesterday.

Police recovered two large knives from the scene which are being examined by forensic science experts.

The arrested man was initially taken to St Thomas' Hospital, where he received treatment for minor injuries, and then to Brixton police station.

Local shopper Lesley Phillips said the attacker "had a totally blank expression and showed no emotion".

Security guard Jason Morris, 28, said: "It really shook me up. I have seen a lot of things around here, blood and fights, but that was horrific.

"If that little boy had been facing the other way and had been stabbed in the chest and not the back, he could have died. The boy just stood still with his arms in front of him when the guy stabbed him in the back."

Joyce Woolley, 54, from Brixton said: "There's so much violence and killing already, but it's usually over drugs. This is different. I don't know if I will feel safe even walking around here any more. To think just going shopping could be so dangerous. It's terrible, truly terrible."

Police want to question two potentially crucial witness. One is described as a white woman, aged 45-50. She had a pale complexion, blonde hair and wore spectacles. She was wearing a T-shirt, possibly with a heart motif on the front, and a skirt.

The other witness, who was being chased by the attacker, is described as black and 5ft 7in.