A LIBRARIAN was stabbed in Swiss Cottage in the middle of the day in front of readers and children. The woman was attacked yesterday as she worked among the bookshelves in the science section on the first floor. Her attacker was seen pulling a knife and

A LIBRARIAN was stabbed in Swiss Cottage in the middle of the day in front of readers and children.

The woman was attacked yesterday as she worked among the bookshelves in the science section on the first floor.

Her attacker was seen pulling a knife and stabbing her at least twice in the abdomen before running from the scene in the direction of Hampstead Theatre or Winchester Road.

The librarian, in her 40s, was treated at the scene while police taped off the crime scene, and she was later taken to hospital by ambulance. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

"It was all a bit of a blur - I just saw this guy rush into the room and grab hold of the woman," said witness Barry Hudd, 56.

"She screamed out in pain, then he legged it out of the library. Poor woman, I hope she's OK. She was just doing her job.

"Someone should've grabbed the man before he could escape, but it all happened so quickly."

Another woman, who was there with her granddaughter, said: "It's terrible. This is a busy area with a lot of children. I can't believe someone would come into a library and stab a member of staff."

Police are still appealing for witnesses and information about the attacker.

Call Camden CID on 020-7404 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A Camden Council spokeswoman added: "We are very concerned for all staff affected by the incident and we will be supporting them through this.