Russell Street British Museum reopens after stabbing

A man was found injured at the junction of Russell Street and Museum Street at around 10am today (August 8).

Officers and London Ambulance Service crews were called to the scene.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment where his condition is currently unknown.

Another man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH following the incident.

A spokesperson for the British Museum confirmed on Twitter that it was evacuated as a precaution following the incident.

It has now reopened with raised security including a heightened search operation.

This was an isolated incident and there is no outstanding risk to the public.

It is not being treated as terror-related.

The Museum was closed this morning due to an incident following a member of the public being attacked nearby

Visitors were evacuated as a precaution, and we wish the victim a swift recovery

The Museum has now reopened with raised security including a heightened search operation

— British Museum (@britishmuseum) August 8, 2023

The full statement from British Museum said: “The Museum was closed this morning due to an incident following a member of the public being attacked nearby.

“Visitors were evacuated as a precaution, and we wish the victim a swift recovery.

“The Museum has now reopened with raised security including a heightened search operation.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police have arrested a man on suspicion of GBH following an incident at the junction of Russell Street and Museum Street around 10am on Tuesday 8 August.

“A man was treated for a stab wound to the arm at the scene and taken by London Ambulance Service to hospital.

“His condition is being assessed.

“This was an isolated incident and there is no outstanding risk to the public. It is not being treated as terror-related.

“The scene may be in place for much of today.

“Anyone with information or footage which could assist the police investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CADF 2184/08AUG, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”