More armed officers are on the streets of London as police try to reassure the public following last night's deadly knife attack in Russell Square.

A woman in her 60s was killed and five other victims taken to hospital after the rampage near the British Museum in Bloomsbury.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police discharged a Taser during the arrest of the suspect. He received hospital treatment and was then taken into custody at a police station in south London.

The suspect is a Norwegian national of Somali origin, Scotland Yard has revealed.

Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said that so far no evidence has been found of radicalisation that would suggest the man in custody was "in any way motivated by terrorism".

It was also revealed  the woman killed in the attack was American, with those injured being Australian, American, Israeli and British.

Emergency services were called to Russell Square shortly after 10.30pm to reports of a man armed with a knife assaulting people.

Numerous other calls were made by members of the public between 10.30pm and 11pm with reports of a man attacking people with a knife between Russell Square, Montague Street, Bloomsbury Square and Great Russell Street.

Armed officers attended the scene within around five minutes of receiving the first call. 

A Met Police spokesman said: "We continue to focus our lines of inquiry on mental health while retaining an open mind regarding the motive."

Two women and three men suffered "various injuries" in the attack. Two remain in hospital and the other three have been discharged, according to Scotland Yard.

The Met's homicide and major crime command is investigating the stabbing attack, although they are being supported by officers from the counter terrorism command.

Mr Rowley, who is the most senior anti-terrorism officer in the country, said: "As a precautionary measure, Londoners will wake up this morning to notice an increased presence on the streets of officers, including armed officers today.

"We would urge the public to remain calm, alert and vigilant."

Last night's attack came just hours after Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe announced an increase of 600 additional firearms officers to protect London against the threat of terrorism.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan this morning urged Londoners to "remain calm and vigilant", and to report anything suspicious to the police‎.

He added: "We all have a vital role to play as eyes and ears for our police and security services and in helping to ensure London is protected."

Got a story? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6388 or email daniel.omahony@newsquest.co.uk