Security guard honoured for bravery in Leicester Square knife attack

A security guard in Leicester Square has been honored for his bravery after intervening in a violent attack on an 11-year-old Australian tourist. Abdullah, 29, who works at the TWG Tea shop, helped disarm the alleged attacker, Ioan Pintaru, 32, after the man reportedly stabbed the girl eight times with a steak knife. The incident occurred on Monday at around 11:34 AM, leaving the girl with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, including wounds to her face, neck, shoulder, and wrist, which required plastic surgery. Pintaru, a Romanian national with no fixed address, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. During a brief court appearance, he was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 10. Prosecutors described the attack as random, with no known motive, and emphasized the quick response of bystanders, including Abdullah, who tackled Pintaru to the ground and removed the knife from his possession. The girl's mother, who was also present during the attack, was initially thought to be injured but was later found to be unharmed, with blood from her daughter mistakenly attributed to her. The incident has raised concerns about public safety, particularly following a series of violent attacks in London, including a recent mass stabbing that claimed the lives of three young girls. In recognition of his actions, Abdullah received a special tribute at the Pakistan High Commission in London, highlighting the courage displayed by individuals who intervened to protect the victims during the horrific incident.