Man ‘slashed toddler’s throat before attacking schoolgirl and woman’

A knifeman allegedly attempted the murder children of two small children and the woman who tried to protect them, a court heard.

Kulvinder Ram, 48, slashed the throat of a two-year-old in the incident in First Avenue, Dagenham on October 25, it is claimed.

All three victims, including an eight-year-old, were treated in hospital for their stab wounds, none of which were life-threatening.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt, Ram was assisted by Punjabi interpreter in the dock at Barkingside Magistrates Court as he spoke to confirm his name and address.

Prosecutor Jeannel Evelyn Ambrose said the attack had involved ‘slashing the throat’ of the two-year-old boy.

The girl suffered a cut from the corner of her mouth to the corner of her ear.

The woman sustained injuries in an attempt to protect the two children from Ram, the court heard.

Judge Moffatt told the defendant: ‘Mr Ram as I have said these cases are too serious for this court to deal with, because of the age of one of your victims the timetable is expedited,

‘For the time being, I’m sending your case to the Old Bailey, you will be produced there on 11 November for a pre-trial preparation hearing,

‘You have given no explanation as to why these events occurred.’

Ram, of Dagenham, is accused of three counts of attempted murder.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on November 11.

There was a major emergency response after the incident on October 25, with more than 10 police cars on the street and an air ambulance landing nearby.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, responsible for policing in Barking and Dagenham, said at the time: ‘This is a truly shocking attack and I want to thank local residents for their assistance and patience while we deal with this incident.

‘At this early stage, we believe those involved were known to each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.’

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