On November 10, 2024, a violent incident at East Street Market in Walworth, South London resulted in the death of 77-year-old Hilkiah McLeggan and left two others injured. The attack occurred around 10:40 a.m. during the bustling Sunday market hours. Emergency services arrived promptly, but McLeggan was pronounced dead at the scene. The two injured individuals were transported to local hospitals; one remains in critical condition.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as a man wielding a large knife attacked shoppers.
A former paratrooper claims he tackled the attacker. Benaissa Lourdjane, 56, threw himself on the assailant moments after a market trader struck the suspect with an object.
Showing a bandage on a wound he reportedly sustained during the incident, he said: “Me, I’m not scared. I have been in the army…Everyone ran away.”
Market vendor Adam Kadirzadah recounted, “My customers were attacked from behind.” Quick-thinking stallholders intervened, using a metal bar to subdue the attacker until police arrived.
The Metropolitan Police arrested 66-year-old Musse Ali, of no fixed address, at the scene. He has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Authorities have stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and have urged the public not to speculate on the motive.
The attack has raised safety concerns among local residents and business owners. Sanjay, a 57-year-old store owner on Walworth Road, reported that some employees are hesitant to return to work. Tech shop employee Renato Nunes, 34, expressed worries about declining safety in the area.
In response to the incident, the Metropolitan Police have increased their presence in the Walworth area to provide reassurance to the community and local businesses. Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward with any information related to the attack.