The 32-year-old man who was arrested on Monday after attacking an 11-year-old girl and her mother at Leicester Square in London has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder.
According to prosecutor David Burns, the man held the girl fast and stabbed her eight times. The girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries to her face and neck and shoulders.
The girl's mother was not injured in the attack.
The authorities have not yet said anything about the man's motive for the attack. The police have, however, stated that it was not terror-related and that the perpetrator was likely not previously acquainted with the girl and her mother.