Washington DC mass stabbing as police shut down area near US Capitol

Police have shut down an area near the U.S Capitol in after at least seven people were injured in a mass stabbing incident. DC police confirmed four women and three men had suffered stab injuries following the around 3.45pm local time (8.45pm BST) this afternoon.

One man has been arrested and taken into custody. The man, who police said was in an "altered mental state", had begun stabbing himself, before knifing a female acquaintance before attacking passers-by, including two people who attempted to intervene. A grandmother and her two granddaughters were among the injured.

Images from the scene showed a large presence, including multiple police vehicles, ambulances and a fire engine. The seven people injured were taken to with non life-threatening injuries, and are all in a stable condition.

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Chief Pamela Smith of the DC Metropolitan Police described the incident as a "senseless assault", adding that the suspect had been discovered "laying in the ground".

She held up a photo of a bloodied knife believed to have been used by the suspect. The knife was recovered at the scene near the suspect.

The police chief added: "Based on preliminary investigations, it appears the suspect was in an altered mental state from an unknown substance.

"He began stabbing himself, and then stabbed a female acquaintance who was also with him. The suspect then stabbed others standing outside in the block.

"Two Good Samaritans - and we are very grateful for them this afternoon - tried to intervene in the assault and were among those injured."

"I want to offer my thoughts to the victims, their families and those who witnessed today's events. This incident highlights the need for assistance of substance abuse issues within communities."

Chief Pamela Smith said the grandmother and three granddaughters were getting in a car when the suspect is said to have attacked them.

An earlier police statement said: "MPD is on scene of numerous people stabbed in the area of Meigs Pl & Montello Ave NE. One suspect has been arrested."

Motorists travelling through the area have been advised to use alternative routes.

The incident unfolded in Northeast Washington, close to the National Arboretum, Mount Olivet Cemetery, and Gallaudet University.

"We want to make sure that individuals that are suffering from any type of substance abuse or any altered state of mind, we want to make sure they get the appropriate support and help," Smith said.