The mother of a Muslim convert who allegedly went on a knife rampage in a busy street described today how he had been changed by religion.
The suspect was heard chanting about killing “non-believers” shortly before it is alleged that he launched a frenzied knife attack on police officers near Clapham Junction station.
Armed with four knives, the 31-year-old caused terror and panic among shoppers and pedestrians as he ran amok for more than 20 minutes before being brought down by police Tasers.
Police were called at noon yesterday when the man attempted to smash his way into a neighbour’s home in Fownes Street.
Firefighters at the station opposite confronted him but retreated after he allegedly threatened them with a knife and tried to batter down doors to the station.
When police arrived he went “berserk” — smashing windows and reportedly slashing at officers as they approached. Witnesses said one officer was only saved from serious injury by his stab vest. Another was treated for cuts to his hand.
The man was finally cornered in Este Road where he was Tasered.
Neighbours said the suspect is thought to suffer from paranoid schizophrenia and neighbours said he was released from Springfield Mental Hospital in Tooting two years ago.
The suspect’s mother, who asked not to be named, told the Standard: “I don’t agree with what he did and I’m glad no one got hurt. He must have lost it to do what he did.
“He was into his Muslim stuff for what could have been a year. Then he came out of it. For a time it made him different, it made him calmer. But then did it build up to all of this?”
He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer.
Gyare Patrick, 66, a neighbour, claimed the man was chanting “kill kuffars” and “I’m going to Medina”.
Four knives were recovered at the scene.
