A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a child in Hackney

A four-year-old boy has been been found dead after suffering knife wounds at a home in Hackney, east London.

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder as a result, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detective chief superintendent James Conway who leads policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets described the attack as ‘extremely distressing’.

‘It will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene,’ he said.

‘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.’