Police launch murder probe after woman in her 50s knifed to death and second woman also stabbed

Watch: London road cordoned off after stabbings leave one dead and one injured

Police have launched a murder probe after a woman in her 50s was stabbed to death at a home in east London and another woman was also left with stab wounds.

The Met Police said officers were called to a residential address in Windmill Lane in Newham at 3.35am on Sunday morning (23 October).

There they found two women who had been stabbed.

Despite the efforts of them and paramedics, one of the women, in her 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene, the force said.

A second woman, in her 30s, was taken to hospital after also suffering stab wounds but her condition isn't believed to be life threatening.

The family of the woman who died have been informed, the Met said, and are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place.

Police have launched a murder investigation and said urgent enquiries are ongoing to trace a man who is believed to have been known to both women.

Read more: Huw Edwards pays tribute to victims of Aberfan tragedy which killed 116 children

Chief Inspector Lisa Parker, from the Met Police, said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with both of these women as well as their friends and family.

"I know that people in Newham and in particular those in the Stratford area will be shocked and concerned by this tragic incident.

"I share their concern, and can assure them that specialist detectives are working at pace to identify and arrest whoever was responsible.

"Local officers will be patrolling the area, and I urge anyone with information or concerns to speak with those officers. They are there to protect and support you."

Anyone with any information or who witnessed the attacks is asked to call 101, reference 1224/23oct, or Crimestoppers anonymously.