Three men have died following a mass stabbing in north-east London.
The Metropolitan Police said the trio, believed to be aged in their 20s or 30s, were knifed in Seven Kings, Ilford, today.
The emergency services were called to a 'disturbance' at around 7.38pm, only to find three people suffering from stab wounds.
The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
showing the victims' bodies on the floor at a chaotic and distressing scene.
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Chief Superintendent Steve Clayman, commander of the Met’s East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “While enquiries into this tragic incident are at an early stage, this is likely to be a triple homicide investigation.
“I must retain an open mind as to any motive as we are in the early stages of establishing the full circumstances.”
A section 60 order, giving police greater stop and search powers, has been rolled out across the borough of Redbridge, which will last until Monday at 8am.
Communtiy leaders told of their shock.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "The horrific stabbing in Seven Kings in Redbridge last night is a tragic reminder of the evil scourge of knife crime that continues to plague our entire country.
"I have been working closely with senior Met Police officers, Redbridge council and the local MP on the response overnight, and will do everything possible to support the local community in Seven Kings through this extremely difficult time.
"Extra police powers remain in place."
He added: "The only way we will tackle violent crime for good is with laser-like focus on catching criminals by being tough on crime and, just as importantly, by addressing the underlying root causes of violence such as poverty, inequality and social alienation.
"This will require a huge increase in Government funding for public services including the police, youth services, schools, sports facilities and local councils.
"There is simply no other solution to this problem."
Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, tweeted: "Serious incident involving multiple stabbings in Seven Kings this evening. I have been in touch with the Borough Commander & will continue to be throughout the night as police work to catch the perpetrators."
Kam Rai, deputy leader of Redbridge Council, also tweeted about the stabbing, saying: "Horrific, 3 men stabbed in Seven Kings / Goodmayes area. Knife crime is becoming all too common, we need a national strategy and more police resource now."
Sam Tarry, Labour MP for Ilford South, tweeted: "Heartbroken to find out that three people have been stabbed in Seven Kings, Ilford, tonight."
Crime scenes are in place in the area as officers begin a full forensic examination, although no arrests have been made.
Police have warned of traffic disruption in the area as there is a crime scene in place.
Post-mortem examinations are due to take place.
A Met Police spokesperson said: "An investigation has been launched into the deaths of three men in Redbridge, all of whom had suffered apparent stab injuries.
"At 7.38pm on Sunday 19 January, emergency services were called to a disturbance in Elmstead Road, Seven Kings.
"Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found three men, aged in their 20s or 30s, suffering what appear to be stab injuries. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
"Officers are in the process of establishing formal identification and informing all next of kin.
"Post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course.
"A thorough investigation is underway and crime scenes are in place in the area as officers begin a full forensic examination. This will continue into Monday and potentially beyond."
The London Ambulance Service said it responded to reports of a stabbing outside Seven Kings station.
A spokesperson said: "We sent a number of resources including three ambulances, three medics in response cars, two critical care paramedics, two incident response officers and our hazardous areas response team (HART).
"We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance.
"Sadly, despite the efforts of medics, three males were pronounced dead at the scene."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 6374/19jan or to remain anonymous call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
