Woman charged after four stabbed near Covent Garden

A 47-year-old woman has appeared in court after four men were stabbed near Covent Garden in central London.

Stella Gollovena, of no fixed address, has been charged with four counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Police were called to Endell Street at about 12:30 BST on Wednesday after four men, aged 34, 39, 42 and 56, were found with stab wounds. They were taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening or life-changing and have all since been discharged.

Gollovena appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Thursday afternoon where she spoke only to confirm her identity.

The incident took place in the capital's busy tourist area filled with bars, theatres and restaurants.

Police were "flagged down" by one of the injured men, the court heard.

London's Air Ambulance landed at nearby Trafalgar Square following the incident, although those wounded were taken to hospital by paramedics via road.

Four men provided statements to police, while a fifth person at the scene said they had also been stabbed but did not want to speak to officers.

Gollovena did not enter any pleas to the charges during the hearing.

She was remanded in custody and will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 3 September.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk