Laila Johnson returns home safe after London stabbing attack

The Australian schoolgirl who was stabbed eight times in the London stabbing attack has returned home safe after fulfilling her dream of seeing her idol perform.

The Australian schoolgirl who survived a London stabbing attack has returned home.

Laila Johnson, 11, and her mother Samantha Johnson, 34, were on holiday to watch the Matildas in the 2024 Olympic Games.

They were in London on August 12 to explore and see Taylor Swift when Laila was stabbed eight times in Leicester Square.

Police allege Ioan Pintaru, a 32-year-old homeless man, stabbed Laila with a steak knife to her face, neck, shoulder and wrist near the Lego store in the square.

Australian schoolgirl Laila Johnson was stabbed eight times in the London stabbing attack. Picture: 7NEWS.

She was on holiday with her mother Samantha Johnson at the time. Picture: 7NEWS.

He has now been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Laila has since undergone plastic surgery for her injuries, but still managed to fulfil her dream of seeing Taylor Swift, with the help of the Australian consular.

“My friend Chris and Carly, they came with us to Taylor Swift … they had a great time,” Laila said.

“But they also made me feel more safe there. It was amazing.

“Some people organised for us to go on a VIP box, and there was food being served and a private toilet, which was very exciting.”

Her mother told The Daily Telegraph Laila was “getting up and dancing” despite being “very sore”.

They have since returned to their Candelo home near Bega on the NSW south coast, with Mrs Johnson saying it was “very scary” but the situation could have been “way worse”.