Two men have died after four people were stabbed at a business premises in Southwark, the Metropolitan Police said. A 58-year-old-man died at the scene in central London and three others were taken to hospital where a 27-year-old man died.
Another man in his thirties has been detained in connection with the incident and remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.
The quadruple stabbing happened at 1pm on Monday afternoon in Long Lane.
'Shocking incident'
A witness living in the area told the Metro newspaper that while working from home with their windows open, they heard someone outside saying, “in a deep, shallow voice: ‘Help me’.”
They said they saw paramedics attending a “clothless man on the ground, who seemed to have a wound on his right side of his body, around his chest area or slightly below”.
The man was transferred onto a stretcher alive after around 30 minutes.
Councillor Natasha Ennin, Southwark Council's cabinet member for community safety, said: “I’m horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of two men in our borough today. My heartfelt condolences go to their families and friends.
“Police have launched a murder investigation and have said this evening they do not believe the incident to be terrorism-related, and that there is no further risk to the public. If you can help police with information please call 101 or report online.
“There are extra police in the Long Lane area this evening and we will remain in close contact with police as they continue their investigation.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing for the area, said: “Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of this shocking incident.
“At this point, we do not believe it to be terrorism-related and there is no further risk to the public.
“There will be a heavy police presence in the area throughout today and I would encourage anyone with information to speak with officers or contact the Met by other means.”
A crime scene remains in place and officers continue to investigate the circumstances.
