The 11-year-old victim of a knife attack in Leicester Square was stabbed eight times, a court heard.

Ioan Pintaru, 32, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed item on Tuesday morning, following Monday’s attack.

Westminster magistrates’ court heard the Romanian citizen was allegedly found with a “steak knife” after attacking the victim, a tourist visiting London with her mother, who sustained wounds to her “face, shoulder, wrist and neck area”.

Opening the case during a 10-minute hearing, David Burns, the prosecutor, said: “This was an incident that took place yesterday at Leicester Square.

“The complainant and her daughter, an 11-year-old, who were tourists, were in the area.

“The defendant has approached the 11-year-old girl and placed her into a headlock.

“He has then stabbed her eight times to the body, where she sustained wounds to the face, shoulder, wrist and neck area.”

He said that police officers attending the incident found Pintaru, who required a Romanian interpreter throughout the hearing, “being held by members of the public”.

Mr Burns added: “Fortunately, members of the public intervened, which prevented any further injury to the child.”

Addressing the condition of the young victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, Mr Burns said: “In relation to the complainant, she was taken to hospital and currently resides in hospital where she is undergoing treatment.

“I understand she will require plastic surgery for the injuries that she’s sustained. Officers were called. They found the defendant being held by members of the public.”

Pintaru, who wore grey-issued clothing, was remanded in custody.

Addressing the defendant, District Judge Michael Snow said: “These charges must be tried at Central Criminal Court.

“The next appearance will be there by way of video link, probably about 10am on Sept 10.”