North London beheading 'not related to terrorism'

The reported beheading of a woman in north London today is not believed to be a terrorism-related attack, police have said.

A woman was found in the garden of a property in Nightingale Road, Edmonton, on Thursday afternoon by local officers and an armed response team responding to initial reports that a man was attacking a cat or a dog. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Press Association reported that the woman was beheaded and numerous outlets have suggested the attacker used a machete. Police have neither confirmed nor denied these details.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being treated in hospital for his injuries ahead of questioning.

Officers used a Taser during the man's arrest, while a firearms officer sustained a suspected broken wrist.

Police were forced to evacuate houses in the area while the man was cornered in one of the properties and distracted by officers.

This was a highly visible attack in broad daylight on a residential street. I can understand why this may cause people concern, however we are confident that we are not looking for anyone else at this stage.

Whilst it is too early to speculate on what the motive behind this attack was I am confident, based on the information currently available to me, that it is not terrorist related.

Local officers and specialist detectives are at the scene and will remain there for many hours to come.

Specially trained family liaison officers will be deployed to support the family; we request that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.

• DCI John Sandlin, who is leading the investigation

Police confirm they have now informed the woman's family of her death.

Anyone with any information of the attack is asked to call the Incident Room on 020 8345 3865, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• (Picture: @Redbutdred)