A critical incident has been declared after reports of several people stabbed outside a tube station in Ilford. 

A man carrying a sword crashed a vehicle into a house in Thurlow Gardens, before reportedly stabbing a number of people at around 7am today (April 30).

It is believed that the suspect allegedly attacked members of the public and two police officers. 

Their conditions are currently unknown. 

Wes Streeting, the MP for Ilford North, wrote on X (formally known as Twitter): "A critical incident has been declared in Hainault.

"There are station and road closures in place. The police, ambulance service and fire brigade are responding."

The station remains closed as the incident is being dealt with by police.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident and he remains in a police custody. 

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: "This must have been a terrifying incident for those concerned.

"I know the wider community will be feeling shock and alarm.

"People will want to know what has happened and will we provide more information as soon as we can.”

Officers believe that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community and that it is not looking for more suspects.

This incident does not appear to be terror-related.