In separate incidents in London, two young men were stabbed to death as the capital prepared for the four-day Platinum Jubilee bank holiday.
At around 6.30 p.m., police were summoned to reports of a stabbing in Neasden, north west London.
A man in his mid-20s was found injured in the street and was pronounced dead at the scene 45 minutes later, despite the best efforts of paramedics.
Henderson Close has been cordoned off by police, and a number of nearby roads have been stopped to traffic.
The man’s family has not been notified, and no arrests have been made as of yet, according to police.
An incident in Woolwich, south east London, this evening also drew a huge number of emergency services and a police cordon.
In the Plumstead Road vicinity, several police cars and ambulances have been seen.
It comes as the capital gears up for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which will take place this weekend.
In the run-up to the bank holiday, an increased presence of specially trained police officers has been patrolling London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray of the Metropolitan Police said yesterday that the event was an opportunity to showcase London at its best.
Instead, it was ruined by two stabbings that occurred within hours of one other.
‘Policing the Jubilee is an extraordinary joy, whether we are policing here at Buckingham Palace and in the Mall or whether we are working across every community in London,’ she added, adding that the force has spent months preparing for the bank holiday.
‘And that is what the public will witness. Throughout the weekend, they will see police officers all throughout London, and I think this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase London and the Met at its finest.
‘And to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to engage with members of the public and do what we do on a daily basis, which is out there keeping people safe, and that’s what we’re hoping to do this weekend.’
People planning to host Platinum Jubilee street parties were reportedly warned last month that they could be targeted by terrorists.
The Metropolitan Police has apparently given a five-page document to people registered as event organizers in preparation for the huge public event, providing advise on the potential threat of terrorism.
According to the Mirror, the document is titled ‘Counter Terrorism Protective Security Advice for Street Parties,’ and it cautions that because of the vast and diverse crowds expected, gatherings could be potential targets.
A representative for the Met Police said there had been no intelligence of any’specific danger,’ and that they were giving tips to guarantee everyone’s safety throughout the festivities.
‘The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a momentous occasion for our country, with London at the heart of the celebrations,’ the spokesperson said.
‘The Met will play a role in keeping individuals commemorating and celebrating the anniversary safe, especially from terrorism,’ says the statement.
‘While we have no intelligence of any specific danger to any of the Jubilee-related events, our specialist officers have been working closely with event organizers and local authorities around London to advise them on the best ways to make their celebrations safe and secure for all.
‘This is what we do on a regular basis for all large-scale public events.’
‘This advise has also been provided to local street party organizers in order to provide them with practical recommendations and advice on how to make their event as safe as possible.’
More information has been requested from the Met.