"Attempted Murder" Charge Filed Against Man Accused of Assaulting Saudi National in London - Sarmad

London police charged a 58-year-old man on Sunday with “attempted murder” following the stabbing of a Saudi national during an attempted robbery in Mayfair, in central London.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Ekhbariya TV reported in two posts on its X (formerly Twitter) account that London police also charged the man with “causing grievous bodily harm, attempted robbery, and possession of a bladed weapon in a public place.”

The incident occurred on Thursday evening in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, central London, when an unnamed Saudi national in his 40s was stabbed during an attempted robbery before being taken to the hospital for treatment.

British police had arrested a 58-year-old man at the scene at that time, suspecting him of causing grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, and attempting robbery, while investigations continued.

The Saudi Embassy moved to urge British authorities to expedite the completion of investigations, disclose all details of the incident, hold the perpetrator accountable under the law, and take measures to enhance the safety of citizens and visitors in public places.

It also called on its nationals in the UK to exercise caution and avoid carrying valuable items in public areas.

On Saturday, the channel reported, in a video report posted on X, that the assault on the Saudi national, whose identity was not disclosed, was part of more than 48,000 crimes recorded by British authorities this year, raising questions about the safety of London for tourists.

The report quoted eyewitnesses saying the national was stabbed during an attempted robbery late at night on a street near the Chancery Rosewood Hotel in Mayfair.

The channel’s correspondent clarified that the national’s condition was “critical,” and that the Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom was closely monitoring his health status and the circumstances of the incident.

He noted that Mayfair is a well-policed area with extensive CCTV coverage and a large security presence, but its concentration of wealthy residents makes it a target for thieves.