Key Points
- A man carrying a meat cleaver was chased and arrested by police near Shaftesbury Theatre, East London.
- Michael Tadese, 44, of Belly Road, Plaistow, was arrested on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
- Police spotted the man near Shaftesbury Avenue at around 12:13 am, noticing an item with a wooden handle concealed in his waistband.
- The man discarded a large knife as officers approached and was immediately arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.
- There were no reported injuries related to the incident.
- The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest and the circumstances without disclosing further details.
What happened in the East London meat cleaver incident?
As reported by the Metropolitan Police Service spokesperson, at 00:13hrs on Sunday, 16 November 2025, officers were patrolling Shaftesbury Avenue in Camden when they spotted a man concealing an item with a wooden handle in his waistband. The man, later identified as Michael Tadese, 44, of Belly Road, Plaistow, attempted to flee the police. During the chase, Tadese discarded a large knife, described as a meat cleaver, before being apprehended by the officers. He was promptly arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. No injuries were reported during the incident, which took place close to the Shaftesbury Theatre area.
Who is the man arrested with a meat cleaver in East London?
Michael Tadese, aged 44 and residing on Belly Road in Plaistow, East London, is the individual arrested near Shaftesbury Theatre on Sunday, 16 November 2025. The arrest followed police observation of him carrying a concealed item resembling a knife with a wooden handle. Upon approaching the officers, he fled briefly but discarded the large blade prior to arrest. The police have not reported any further charges or incidents involving Tadese in relation to this event.
What did the Metropolitan Police say about the arrest?
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said:
“At 00:13hrs on Sunday, 16 November, police were patrolling the area of Shaftesbury Avenue in Camden when they saw a man concealing an item with a wooden handle in his waistband. The man made off from officers as they approached and was seen to discard a large knife. He was then quickly arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.”
The statement confirmed that officers acted swiftly, and stressed there were no injuries reported. The police have not disclosed further operational details or motives behind the carriage of the weapon.
Were there any injuries or additional incidents during the arrest?
There were no injuries reported in connection to the arrest of Michael Tadese. The police confirmed that the incident was contained without harm to any parties involved. No other incidents have been linked to this event as per official sources.
What context exists around concealed weapons incidents in East London?
Incidents involving concealed weapons such as knives and other offensive weapons in East London have been a subject of heightened police activity and community concern. The Metropolitan Police regularly patrol areas with high foot traffic and nightlife, including iconic locations like Shaftesbury Avenue, to deter violent crime and enhance public safety. This arrest is one among several recent law enforcement efforts to prevent possession and use of dangerous weapons.
