Arrest following stabbing of women and children aged 8 and 2

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman and her two children were stabbed in east London.

Police were called at around 5.35pm on Friday to reports of three people injured on First Avenue in Dagenham.

The Met Police said a woman believed to be in her 30s and two children, a girl thought to be eight years old and a boy believed to be two, suffered stab wounds. They were taken to hospital and treated.

A person who was detained at the scene was taken to the hospital when he fell ill. He was later taken into police custody, the police added.

None of the three injured people are in life-threatening condition.

Detective Constable Lewis Basford, who is in charge of policing in Barking and Dagenham, said investigators “believe the people involved knew each other and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident”.

“This is a truly shocking attack and I would like to thank local residents for their help and patience as we deal with this incident,” he added.

“The scene will remain in place for some time as our officers carry out vital work and you will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.”

The Met said police officers, the London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance were at the scene.

Anyone with information about what happened should call the police or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.