A four-year-old boy has died after a stabbing in east London.

Police were called at around 10.50pm on Wednesday raising concerns for the welfare of the toddler in Montague Road, Hackney.

The boy was found by officers and paramedics to be suffering knife injuries inside the home, but he later died in hospital, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Scotland Yard has launched a murder investigation led by detectives in the Specialist Crime Command.

The Met said in a statement: “A 41-year-old woman, who was known to the boy, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

”While enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing, at this time officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

The boy’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

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 [it] 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.”