An Israeli tourist who was injured in the stabbing attack in central London, in which an American woman was murdered, has spoken out about her ordeal.

Yovel Lewkowski, 18, from Tel Aviv, described how she watched in horror as a knife-wielding attacker went on the rampage in Russell Square.

On her Facebook page she wrote that the American victim, named as 62-year-old Darlene Horton, “perished in front of my eyes” in a “matter of seconds”

She wrote: “I don't know whether to call it luck or fate, but no doubt it is some sort of miracle compared to the woman who stood right next to me and perished in front of my eyes: a matter of seconds, metres, breaths.

She added: “I saw a woman lying on the floor, covered in blood. Her husband supported her. Suddenly I discovered that I was bleeding.

“I looked and saw that the attacker stabbed me in the hand during the flight (sic).

She also said that she had feared the assailant was a terrorist.

The teenager, who on a visit to London with her grandfather, said the experience had “taught me to appreciate every second.

"I send strength to the family and ask that you take advantage of every moment - nothing is to be taken for granted.

"It's time to say thank you to the wonderful people in your lives. I thank everyone for their warm wishes."

Ms Lewkowski said she was out for a walk in Russell Square, near the hotel where she was staying, when she was attacked.

Four other people were injured in the incident.

Police have arrested a Norwegian national of Somali origin on suspicion of murder.