Police announced the “horrifying discovery” after four people were found stabbed to death in a house in south-east London.
A man in his late 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder after the “deeply shocking incident” in Bermonds, police said.
Three women – in their 60s, 40s and 30s – and a man in their 60s were found dead after reports of riots in the house in the early hours of this morning.
All four people found in the property have been pronounced dead on the spot.
Image: Four people were found dead in the property
The man, arrested on suspicion of murder, was taken to a police station in South London, where he remains in custody.
It is assumed that all five were acquainted with each other.
Speaking near the scene, the niece of one of the victims paid tribute to her aunt and said she “did not deserve it”.
Venice Reed, visibly upset, said: “She was very loving, very kind, very generous.
“She is working very hard in this country to support her two girls and her two grandchildren.
“She doesn’t deserve that.”
Image: Court tents outside the house in Bermonds
Police Commander Colin Wingrow said neighbors had contacted police and forced officers into the house on Delaford Road.
He said: “In the house, they made a terrible discovery of four people who were stabbed.
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1:13 An elderly couple among four stabbed to death in south-east London.
“This is a deeply shocking incident and we will do everything we can to provide support to all those affected at this difficult time.
“Such horrific events are rare, but it will not reduce the shock that will be felt in London and beyond.”
Part of the residential street was closed with metal piles and several forensic tents were set up while police conducted their investigation on Monday.
Anne Birkett, whose back bedroom overlooks the property where the victims were found, said she was awakened by police sirens and a circling helicopter.
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0:43 Neighbors shocked after stabbing
The 60-year-old said: “It’s devastating – you hear all this, but you never think it will be right on your doorstep.
“I am a foster parent and I have children in my care and now I have to protect them because of what happened.”
The stage is close to Millwall FC The Den Stadium and South Bermondsey Rail Station.
Image: Police were called to Delaford Road around 1.40am
Local MP Harriet Harman described the killings as a “terrible tragedy”, telling local reporters that the community was “very peaceful” and “quiet”.
She said: “The police have arrested someone, but it is still important that people give information – any information they have – to the police so that anyone who has committed this horrific crime can be brought to justice.
“This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who tragically ended their lives.”
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Image: A man is being questioned on suspicion of murder
Police said the officers, who were called to the property at 1.40am, were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“Despite the efforts of the emergency services, all four people – three women and one man – were pronounced dead on the spot,” a spokesman for the force said.
Detectives from Met’s Special Crimes Unit are conducting an investigation and officers are contacting relatives and autopsies are pending.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “My heart is broken that three women and a man were killed last night in a devastating incident in Southwark.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who lost loved ones in this horrific crime.”
Mr Hahn said he was in contact with Met Police chiefs and called on anyone with information about the incident to contact staff immediately.
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