Two men dead after four stabbed in central London

Two men have died and a third man is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after four people were stabbed in central London.

Police were called to a business premises in Long Lane, Southwark at 1pm on Monday and found four people had been stabbed.

A 58-year-old man died at the scene while three other men were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 27-year-old man has since died in hospital.

Meanwhile, one man in his 30s has been detained in connection with the incident and is in hospital in a life-threatening condition, the force said.

Another man in his 30s is also in hospital but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

A section of the street was cordoned off by police and forensics were working in the area on Monday evening.

One local man, who did not want to be named, described the street as a “young professional area” and said “the apartments are really expensive”, adding of the incident “you wouldn’t expect it”.

A woman on a neighbouring street said she saw multiple ambulances and police cars on Monday afternoon.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said the area is “not too bad” and added she had not heard of anything like this happening before.

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.”

Natasha Ennin, Southwark Council’s cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods, 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.”