Homicide detectives investigating the death of two children in Ilford have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.

The 40-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, 29 April at a London hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. He remains in hospital under police guard.

+ Police were called to the address at around 17:30hrs to reports of a man and two children having been injured.

The children were found suffering from knife wounds. 19-month-old Pavinya was pronounced dead at the scene and three-year-old Nigish was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service [LAS] where he subsequently died.

The children’s next of kin are aware. Their mother is being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall said: “The ending of these innocent young lives is extraordinarily tragic and we are working hard to fully understand what may have caused this to happen.

“Whilst I know the effects of this crime are reverberating throughout the local community, please be reassured that we are not seeking any other person(s) in connection with the deaths and there is no cause for the community to be fearful or alarmed. I would like to hear from anyone who feels they may have information that could assist our investigation to understand this horrific tragedy.”

Enquiries into the circumstances continue to be led by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command (Homicide).

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 5669/26 APR.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

IF ASKED: Which hospital? – Not prepared to discuss.