London knife attack leaves 1 dead, 5 hurt

LONDON (CNN) — One person was killed and five others were injured in a knife attack in central London’s Russell Square, London Metropolitan Police said.

A suspect has been detained, authorities said.

Police were called in at 10:33 p.m. Wednesday after reports of a man “seen in possession of a knife injuring people,” authorities said in a news release.

The man was arrested less than 10 minutes later, authorities said.

Police did not give a motive but said “terrorism is one possibility being explored at this stage.”

Based on early evidence, investigators believe the incident was a terror attack, according to officials briefed on the investigation.

The officials also said one victim appears to be American.

The incident comes just hours after authorities announced London would increase its presence of armed police after recent terror attacks in Europe.

Located in the Bloomsbury district of west central London, Russell Square is close to the main buildings of the University of London and the British Museum.

The area is popular with tourists because of its proximity to museums and central London. It also boasts many upscale hotels and homes.

In the terror attacks of July 7, 2005, the underground subway line running close to Russell Square was hit by the most devastating of the four bombs.