Hackney stabbing: Four-year-old boy dies of knife injuries as police launch probe

A four-year-old boy was found with knife wounds at a home in Hackney, north London, on Wednesday and rushed to hospital, but died of his wounds, as police arrested a woman, 41

A four-year-old boy has died after suffering knife injuries at an address in London, police have confirmed.

Metropolitan Police officers and London Ambulance Service attended the home in Hackney on Wednesday at around 10.50om and found the injured child. He was taken to hospital for treatment but, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, died of his injuries. Investigating officers have arrested a 41-year-old woman who was known to the boy on suspicion of murder. She remains in police custody.

The child's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. An investigation is under way led by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

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 leading up to it. This incident occurred within the home and, while 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.”