It's emerged that the teenager alleged to have murdered a US citizen in London had tried to take his own life. Reports in British media cite information from friends and family that claim he had made three attempts to harm himself.
Zak Bulhan who is 19 and lives with his family in south London is still being questioned by police after a six-minute rampage left five other people injured. Bulhan moved to the UK from Norway in 2002, where he had claimed asylum.
The Somali-born teenager had just finished his first year studying for a B-Tech at South Thames College.
Another day, another hashtag, another tragic incident. My heart goes out to all affected. #RusselSquare #LondonStabbing
— Prossy (@Pkakooza) August 4, 2016
Zakaria Bulhan is suspected of murdering a 64-year-old American woman who was due to fly home to the US. Tributes have been pouring in for Darlene Horton, 64, who was in London with her husband, a psychology professor at Florida State University.
Extremely saddened to hear about the loss of Darlene Horton in London. Ann and I are praying for her family and loved ones.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) August 4, 2016
Mrs Horton was stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife. It emerged that her last words she uttered were "he's still here, he's still here," as she tried to warn others.
Scotland Yard's armed response unit were at the scene of the incident in London's Russell Square within six minutes of the attack and tasered the 19 year old suspect.
Scotland Yard has stressed that mental health issues remain the most likely trigger for the attack, meanwhile more police have been deployed around the capital.
Working closely with @CityPolice and @BTP to protect the public — you will see more armed officers across #London pic.twitter.com/YhSiNsyfXF
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 3, 2016
A family neighbor told UK reporters that Bulhan was:
"A really good lad, never any trouble. He loved playing football. He was very much a family guy, the family were very close. He was not into any gangs or troubles but he didn't have any money because he was not working."
