Following the deaths of a woman and a five-year-old child found with stab wounds at a house in Barnet, north London, this afternoon, a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The London Ambulance Service dispatched police to an address in Brookside South at 1.37 p.m. today.
Officers were joined by paramedics and the London Air Ambulance at the scene.
They discovered a 37-year-old woman and a five-year-old child with stab wounds when they arrived.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene, and they are thought to be mother and daughter.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command have launched an investigation, and a 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
According to police, the deceased and the arrested man knew each other.
The news has sent shockwaves through the leafy suburb, where houses can sell for up to £500,000.
‘The whole community will be shocked and saddened to hear of this terrible incident,’ said Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, policing commander for the North West, which includes Barnet.
‘Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the woman and child who died, as well as the officers and paramedics who were among the first to arrive at what was an incredibly difficult scene.’
Specialist detectives are investigating what happened, and a man has been arrested. While they keep an open mind about what happened, I would like to reassure residents in the area that there is no evidence that anyone else was involved in this incident at this time.
‘I would encourage anyone who witnessed or heard anything unusual earlier today or in recent days to contact the police.’ As the investigation progresses, your information could be crucial.’
Police can be contacted by dialing 101 and giving the reference 3590/21JUN.
It can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.