A woman was found stabbed to death five hours before a man's body was discovered half a mile away.
Police carrying out a welfare check at a property in Ashbridge Street, Westminster, London, found the body of the 45-year-old woman on Thursday at 9.34pm.
She had suffered a knife injury and was pronounced dead at the scene
Police were called by the London Ambulance Service to an address in Jerome Crescent, where a 59-year-old man had suffered a knife injury.
He died at the scene.
Detectives have launched an investigation into the two death and say they are treating them as being linked.
Neither the man or woman have been formally identified and enquiries are underway to trace their next of kin.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is probing both deaths, is appealing for anyone who say anything suspicious to come forward.
He said: Firstly, our thoughts are with the families of the victims. We can only begin to imagine what they are going through.
“At this early stage we are retaining an open mind concerning motive, but at this stage we are treating these crimes as linked.
“We are very keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious around Ashbridge Street, or Jerome Crescent overnight. No matter how small or insignificant you think your information might be, please do get in touch.”
Police commander for Westminster, Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, added: “We know that local residents will be shocked and troubled by this news.
“Crime scenes are in place in Ashbridge Street and Jerome Crescent and additional police resources and patrols have been deployed throughout the area to provide local reassurance.
“Anyone who has concerns is encouraged to approach patrol officers. To pass on information please call 101.”
Anyone who saw anything suspicious should call 101, giving the reference 7227/19AUG or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
