Murder suspect, 22, appears in court after woman, 66, was stabbed to death in the street in front of horrified bystanders

A man has been charged with the murder of a 66-year-old woman in north London, police have said.

The woman died after being stabbed in Burnt Oak Broadway, near the junction of Limesdale Gardens, in Edgware on Thursday.

Jalal Debella, 22, will appear on Saturday May 11 at Willesden Magistrates' Court charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon, the Metropolitan Police said.

Video shot at the scene of the incident shows members of the public rushing to provide assistance to the woman following the stabbing. 

Jess Bloom, who was working at a hair salon near where the attack took place, told MailOnline: 'She was covered in blood... everyone ran to the woman to help her. I heard the scream.'

The first paramedic arrived within two minutes, but the victim was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Local resident Mohamed Ble, 47, said the woman was left with a stab wound to the throat and two to the chest.

He said: 'There was a lot of blood, too much blood. I heard a lot of shouting, I did not know what.

'Then I heard the woman say: "Help me, help me." It was in a high-pitched voice.'

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, leading the investigation for the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: 'I know that the effects of this incident will be felt throughout the local community and would like to reassure everyone that a man is in custody, and we are not looking for any other suspects.

'We are working hard to establish the full circumstances and motive for this offence, which we believe to be an isolated incident.'

Superintendent Tony Bellis from the North West Command Unit, responsible for policing Edgware, said: 'A family has been left devastated by this shocking attack and my thoughts are with them at this unimaginably difficult time.

'Local people will notice an increased police presence in the area in the coming days to provide reassurance.

'If you have concerns or just want to speak with officers, please do approach them as they patrol.'