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announcer: and now, "bbc news" '. you're watching the context on'. bbc news. >> we understand police were called around 7:00 following reports of a car being driven into a house. 22 minutes later, police were on the scene and have made an arrest. >> trying to find the guy. one of the guys got stabbed in the neck. he was holding his neck like that. >> this was and is a fast-moving and complex incident and investigation. it will take some time to establish the facts. ♪ >> tonight, a 14-year-old boy killed in a sword attack in northeast london.

at 36-year-old man is in custody. wh does it say about knife crime in the capital and the mets performance in tackling it? antony blinken has just landed in tel aviv ahead of his middle east tour with cease fire talks on the knife edge. man's planing from plato. the artificial intelligence that reveals the philosopher's final moments and how he felt about the flautist that was playing by his death bed. a very good evening. a 14-year-old boy has been killed and 4 others, including two police officers injured in a sword attack in northeast london. police have declared a critical incident following reports a vehicle had been driven into a house shortly before 7:00 this morning. these pictures show a policeman confronting the 36-year-old suspect who refused to surrender with the sword still in his hand. the suspect moved through the

street, ranging down in people's windows before eventually he was cornered on a garage roof. 22 minutes after police were called, this was the moment the officers tasered the suspect and were able to stop him. he's being held on suspicion of murder. shortly after the arrest, police gave us this update on those injured in the attack. >> our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the 14-year-old boy who very sadly died this morning. we wl be there to provide every possible support to them and ensure we get them the answers they need. we are also thinking of the members of the public who were injured, as well as brave officers who were stabbed during this incident. >> a very difficult day for people in northeast london. let's go to our correspondent ellie price this evening.

questions have been asked about whether he was known to police and whether he had been arrested before. what have they said about that? >> i think there was a report among some of the press that the suspect was known to police. quite keen to stamp out that rumor at the press conference. they had made initial investigations and there was no obvious prior incident that police had known the suspect. it is telling that they said that outright. telling al that the suspect is in hospital having been injured, and the police have not been able to interview him yet. i think that is why there was not quite as much information on the suspect as we might expect. previously, police had ruled out it was a terror related incident and also said it was an untargeted attack.

but there will be more information on that presumably once police have interviewed him. >> on those unconfirmed reports, talk about the social media surrounding the incident. a lot was known very early. some of it pretty unhelpful speculation as you suggest. how do you police all that in a sensitive investigation like this? >> amongst all that social media stuff that we have seen, horrendously distressing images. some were headed to the bbc, some we were not able to show. but many of these images have made their way onto the internet , exactly what happened. it was just 22 minutes from the first time the police were called to when the suspectas arrested. in that time, there were plenty of different angles from peoples doorbell cameras, people's phones of the suspect running around with this sword.

really distressing images. and we have seen it in similar incidents, people's first instinct is to upload these images to the internet, to social media. we have heard from the police today, but we heard from the mayor of london and home secretary urging people not to do that, not to share this. there is an issue in all of that. there is the impact of the victims family, if they see these horrendous images, what that impact can be on those families. then the issue that those are the sorts of images and information the police need to piece together what happened and that is why police are asking people not to upload these images to social media, but to come straight to the police and hand it over. the third issue is if all of these stories, all of these images are shared, it becomes a narrative, often unsubstantiated, and that can have an impact to a future court case irelation to building a picture of what happened. >> we should touch on the

politics. the mayor for london also access police and crime commissioner for the city. he is up for reelection on thursday. it is very likely that tomorrow, the front pages will be full of pictures of this man carrying a samurai sword. how sensitive is that politically for him and his record on fighting crime? >> let's not be too cynical. but there were plenty of politicians talking about this story as well as the king and other serious officials in the u.k. the local mp was out thinking the emergency services role in it. he also heard from the mayor of london. also plenty of criticism over the last few months for rising numbers in knife crime in the capital. i will give you some of the figures. up by 20% in the year to

december. 14,600 -- more than 14,600 cases of knife crime. the second highest in the last eight years. it does not make for terribly pleasant or easy reading for the mayor of london. and we keep getting these high-profile incidents. one today, just yesterday there was a case in which a man pleaded guilty to stabbing and 86-year-old on his mobility scooter. you get ese high-profile incidents as well as gang related violence as well. the labour party, the mayor of london himself would say part of that issue is austerity about the cups made in certain services, particularly to the police stations around the capital, by the conservatives over the last 10 years -- more than 10 years they have been in power. plenty of politics circulating around it. but at the center of this, a 14-year-old boy who has been stabbed to death. >> and his family should be

front and center in our minds. thank you very much for that. knife crime not entirely a problem just in london. there were around 250 fatal stabbings in england and wales, many involving young men and boys. for every life loss, families and loved ones are shattered by it. as part of a special bbc investigation into the wider effects of knife crime, dan johnson has spoken to the mother of mikey roy nin, who was 16 when he was stabbed to death last summer. you may find some details distressing. >> this is his bedroom, it is untouched. exactly as it was the day he went. trainers, all of his clothing hung over the banister. all of that. all memories. >> this is the story of a young life lost to knife crime at just 16. >> one thing that is really hard is i'll never be called mom

again. >> 10th of june last summer, teenagers heading to a birthday party that has been advertised on snapchat. this is mikey traveling from the edge of bristol with some friends. he was about to come across this group of teenagers heading to the same party. >> we knew mikey since about 12, 13. >> this friend was with him. >> we got to the party, some party -- then it went downhill. >> we may never know what sparked the confrontation. but at the back of the house, mikey was stabbed in the back of his neck. >> he had blood coming out of his mouth, everyone was shouting, screaming. all we knew was he's been stabbed somewhere in his chest or his neck. >> as he collapsed on the road, neighbors tried to save his life. >> the only thing he could say was he was dying. >> aire his phone, and his

friend answered and said mikey has been stabbed, he said he's gone - i put the phone down on him because i did not want to hear that. i did not believe that. >> this is mikey in a music video for his own song called "oh dear." it had gone viral and was played at the party shortly before the attack. >> you are a balaclava, he had a big group of -- but it did not mean he was going to go out and stab someone or he was going to have a weapon on him. >> this is where mikey used to come all the time. >>is wider family are feeling the impact of his death. >> i'm so proud, i was his older cousin, and -- he was a little star. >> in march, one of these 16-year-olds was convicted of murder, two of manslaughter.

the jury agreed this footage showed they were carrying knives hidden in their trackss. >> why would you take a knife to a 16-year-old's birthday party? that is shocking. >> when i was 16, even younger, 14, i thought it was so cool to have a naughty boyfriend for hang around with 90 people. you may think you are cool, drive around stolen cars, but it affects so many other people's lives. the scariest thing is you think who is next. you genuinely sit there and think who is next? >> when i'm alone, i chat him. sometimes i look at pictures or videos of him. i felt numb. like he will come walking back in the door. i have always said that. i still feel that.

or hope. >> do you think that -- will ever go? >> no. >> do you want it to? >> no. i don't. shoes are still by the back door. homework boots are still by the front door. just in case. >> dan johnson reporting. around the world and across the u.k., this is bbc news. for our u.k. viewers, let's look at the days other news. king charles has been speaking of his shock at being diagnosed with cancer as he met fellow patients at a cancer treatment center in london. it is his first public engagement since being diagnosed with cancer. the visit was intended to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis.

the telegraph newspapers are up for sale after in abu dhabi backed takeover bid collapsed. the ownership ofhe papers were set to be transferred to the redbird imi consortium before the british government intervened in january. there were concerns about the papers being owned by a state-controlled business. two people charged with causing criminal damage to the world-famous sycamore gap tree. the much photographed tree which stood next to adrian's wall for 200 years was chopped down in september last year, causing national outrage. -- have also been charged with criminal challenge. -- criminal damage to the wall. the u.s. secretary of state has just arrived in tel aviv, or he's due to discuss the cease-fire negotiations taking place in cairo. no word from hamas, who said they would give a response by tomorrow on the terms of israel's revised proposal.

antony blinken has been in jordan, where he met the king and talked about the aid deliveries which are still well below the level required in gaza. he's also been in re-out on the strip where they were talking about a security guarantee for saudi arabia in return for normalization of relations with israel. cease fire is the first crucial step. here's what he had to say. >> our focus right now is on getting a cease-fire and hostages home. that is the most urgent thing. it is also what is achievable because the israelis have put a strong proposal on the table. they demonstrated they are willing to compromise. now it is on us. >> let me remind you of the terms in the cease-fire. the deal includes a 40 day truce in return for the release of some hostages. it would also allow for displaced families to return to

northern gaza. it is being reported it would involve new word on restoring column in gaza to satisfy the demands for a more permanent cease-fire. with us tonight, the former senior u.s. national security official. you are welcome to the program. i was signaling that i feel we are at a pivotal moment. so much can unfold from this position. the crucial first step is getting the cease-fire across the line. >> i agree. it is an inflection point. there's a lot of different moving pieces. getting a decent cease-fire agreement that brings an important number of hostages home, what has been reported is 33 and the current for to build from there and have a pause in the fighting so more have meant

-- humanitarian aid can get in. her want to focus on what can be achieved if it was accepted. it is clearly with hamas right now to make the determination. i have not seen them put the welfare of human beings, palestinian orton -- israeli, first and foremost. that concerns me, but they are under a great deal of pressure. as is israel to get a cease-fire. >> politically in washington, there was a real focus on it, not just because of the protests across university campuses, which is growing, we know president biden has spoken to the qatari leader, the egyptian president, and the israeli prime minister as well. how deeply involved are they in

this, given the threat it now poses to his reelection chances? >> i reject the basic premise of your question, which is to suggest president biden's positions are affected by domestic politics. president biden i believe has from the beginning of this crisis from october 7 onwards, has ne what is in the best interest of the united states to serve the national security interest and has worked closely with allies and partners throughout the world as well as in the middle east. israel and its arab neighbors to try and reach points of resolution on this and allow israel to defend itself. i would separate that entirely from what is happening on university campuses in the united states. that is not affecting how president biden is perceiving. >> they have been pretty bullish about the talks about this

normalization of relations between saudi arabia and israel. what is saudi arabia's motivation pushing that forward quickly? we would like to believe the crown prince would like it to be done within weeks. >> sure, for the saudis, there is an interest in stronger regional security arrangements to protect against what they see as a very real threat from iran. some of these security guarantees are intended to send part of a message to iran about where and how key countries in the region, including israel, are united. but the saudi's in the crown prince understand that they need from israel a w to move forward to go towards two state solution. a state for palestinians and for israelis. that is a key component to

moving forward to a stable and secure region. the u.s. and other countries, that is why they see a number of these pieces interlinked. >> it would be an indefinite delay the prime minister pushed ahead with his plans and rafa. today he sounded equally bullish whether there is a cease-fire or not, he's going to go ahead and deal with the final remanence of hamas he believes are hiding within rafa. what will be the secretaries position on that? >> i believe what secretary blinken will do is continue to repeat the message the prime minister has certainly heard from the president of the united states, from various senior u.s. officials, and senior leaders from across the world that israel has the right to defend itself, but a ground assault in rafa is not wise at the current point. it is not likely to achieve what he says are his objectives.

the prime minister had the decision to make on whether he looking up for the best interest of his citizens, of the people in the -- of israel, or if he's looking to maintain his hold on the prime leadership. which seems to be dependent right now on a couple of very far right extremists who are in the minority in israel at large pushing foreground division of rafa and not putting the well-being of the hostages on the return of the hostages as their top priority. >> so many different moving parts at the moment. one of the things hanging over it and is being reported more widely is the threat of the icc issuing these rest warrants. the three people that would be in the frame would be the prime minister, his defense secretary, and the chief of the idf. if they were delivered, and that is not a given because the panelists understand they have to sign off on it, but if it

were, how much further would it complicate things for you? >> it would be extraordinary. it is my belief that icc would be will blot -- well beyond the agreement in taking such a move. evidence to some of the concerns countries like the u.s. had about the icc for some years now. i would say it is taking an arbitrary and political move. i would note the international court of justice with the u.n. refused a bid to halt germany's our sales -- arm supplies to israel. so i would caution any kind of firm conclusions on what the court would do. >> a final one, clearly there has been an improvement in the aid situation. but the complaint has been from

regional neighbors that there is so much more israel could do to get aid into gaza. and that was made -- that point was made forcibly by the king today in jordan. >> and i believe was echoed by secretary blinken in terms of support for ordinance about what the u.s. is doing. i will say it is extremely difficult when there is not a war going on to move goods in and out of gaza. one of my former government jobs was working closely on that with israelis and palestinians. i know how difficult it is, but still is a key responsibility obligation and the right thing to do for israel to maximize all of the humitarian aid they can get into gaza. >> very grateful for your time, thank you very much. for nearly 2000 years, the chart

of roles have been indecipherable. they were burned and buried under layers of volcanic ash following the eruption of mount vesuvius. using artificial intelligence, italian scientists are piecing together the text that was lost and what they reveal through these advanced infrared images are previously unknown details of where the greek philosopher plato is buried and how he spent his final hours. he died at the age of 81 and on s final day, the text tells us he listened to music played on the flute by a slave girl. despite battling a fever and being on the brink of death, he is said to have retained enough lucidity to complain she did not have enough rhythm. -- is professor at the university of pisa who is leading a team that made the discovery. explain in simple terms how you have done it. >> we have been working hard on

-- for years. any time discoveries come out, such as those concerning the history of this book role, which has been handed down to us from the ashes of mount was to be us in 7980. it contains much more information with all of the same book. it applies to every -- which is anything after 2000. advanced techniques have led us to make huge progress. in the textual reading and also the philosophical interpretation. >> now we know where he's buried? >> yes, we did know he was buried in the academy -- the first university, so to speak,

of western civilization. immediately, outside the city walls. we did not know where. now we know he was buried close to the shrine to the muses in a special garden reserved to him in his school. >> just very quickly, could you use this on other scrolls you have not been able to decipher? >> yes, we are going to use the same techniques to decipher other roles. and we are making discoveries. >> thank you very much for coming on the program. sorry to cut tt short. extraordinary story. more details on the bbc webpage. who knew that mansplaining is as old as plato. probably most of the women watching. coming up, vote 2024. some interesting things tonight from france. join us for that.

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