A man has been charged with attempted murder after two men were injured by an axe-type weapon at a north London hospital.

Matteo Bottarelli, 43, of Central Way, Park Royal, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and two counts of threatening violence with a bladed article in a public place.  

Armed officers were among those who raced to Central Middlesex Hospital at 1.18pm on Wednesday (June 21) to reports of a stabbing.

Two men, both believed to be contracted hospital staff and aged in their 40s, were found with stab injuries.

Police now say they believe they were both attacked with a mattock, a pickaxe-type weapon.

It was initially thought that one of the victims had life-threatening injuries. Police have now said that neither man is in a life-threatening condition, although one may have life-changing injuries.

A police spokesperson said that “both continue to receive treatment in hospital and their next of kin are aware”.

Outside the hospital, police arrested a man, also believed to be contracted hospital staff and aged in his 40s, on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

He was immediately rushed to hospital after sustaining injuries believed to have been self-inflicted.

After his condition was assessed as not life-threatening, he was discharged from hospital and released into police custody.

He has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of a third count of attempted murder, as well as on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and affray.

Police said that a third victim was fortunate not to have sustained any injuries.

They added that the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

Bottarelli is now due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court later today (June 23).

Witnesses are urged to call 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting reference CAD 3804/21 Jun.