A man has confessed to stabbing an 11-year-old girl in a random knife attack that occurred in Leicester Square.

The Australian girl was on vacation with her 34-year-old mother when Ioan Pintaru targeted her in London’s West End around 11:30 BST on August 12 of last year.

Pintaru, who has denied the charge of attempted murder, reportedly approached the girl as she exited the Lego store, placed her in a headlock, and inflicted eight stab wounds.

The Romanian citizen pleaded guilty to charges of wounding the girl with the intent to cause serious harm and possession of a knife.

A security guard recounted how he intervened, managing to disarm Pintaru and restrain him on the ground until law enforcement arrived.

The young victim was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained to her face, shoulder, wrist, and neck.

On Friday, Pintaru, who has no permanent residence, appeared via video link at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing presided over by Judge Richard Marks KC, with the assistance of an interpreter.

Prosecution barrister Heidi Stonecliffe KC announced that a trial regarding the pending attempted murder charge is scheduled to commence on October 27.