Four-year-old boy dies after suffering knife wounds in Hackney

Photograph: Ray Forster

A four-year-old boy has died after being found with knife injuries in Dalston.

A woman, 41, who was known to the boy, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Police were called to an address on Montague Road, E8, at around 10.50pm last night after concerns were raised about the welfare of a child.

Officers and paramedics arrived and found the four-year-old boy suffering from knife wounds.

He was taken to hospital but subsequently died from his injuries.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

An investigation is under way, led by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing, but officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

“We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

“Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young child’s death, and the events that led up to it.

“This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.”