Man arrested on suspicion of murder after stabbings at south London office block

Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after an attack at an office block in south London on Monday that left two men dead and a third in hospital.

A 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and a 27-year-old man died later in hospital, Scotland Yard said. The third man’s condition was not life-threatening. Neither was that of the 31-year-old arrested man, who was also taken to hospital, and had initially been detained before his arrest.

“This is truly awful. It’s absolutely devastating for the family and the local community,” said the local MP, Labour’s Neil Coyle.

“Thankfully, police say this was an isolated incident … there’s no further risk to the public.”

He added: “Lots of people will be shaken. As the local MP, I want to send my condolences to the family and everyone directly affected. But this is a safe community.”

A police forensic tent at the scene in Long Lane, where investigations continue. Photograph: James Manning/PA

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “Police are investigating thoroughly. Paramedics also did everything they could yesterday to try to save lives.”

Coyle urged any witness to contact the police, adding: “My message to the community is this: if you saw anything, please come forward. And if you didn’t, but you’re worried, know that this remains a safe area.”

Police were called to reports of stabbings inside a commercial address on Long Lane, in Southwark, at 1pm on Monday. The Metropolitan police said the attack was not being treated as terror-related and detectives from Scotland Yard’s specialist crime command were leading the investigation.

Officers said the next of kin of the victims had been informed, and were being supported by specialist officers.

DCS Emma Bond, who leads policing for the area, said: “Our thoughts are, first and foremost, with the family and friends of the victims of this tragic incident. Our investigation continues at pace and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances.

“I understand there may be concern in the local community and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days. I would also encourage anyone who may be worried to speak to an officer.”

An officer removes medical bags from the scene in the hours after the attacks. Photograph: James Manning/PA

Police said a crime scene remained in place while officers investigate. Scotland Yard said the incident took place in a “business premises”, adding that a “crime scene is in place at a nearby hotel where the arrested man went into”. Officers said: “We are aware of speculation the man was staying at the hotel – this is not the case.”

The stabbing is understood to have taken place near housing provider Trademark Homes.

A resident, who asked not to be named, told the PA news agency: “It’s terrifying. I walk past there all the time – it makes you feel really uneasy. You just don’t expect something like this to happen on a normal weekday.”

Natasha Ennin, Southwark council’s cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods, said on Monday: “I’m horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of two men in our borough. My heartfelt condolences go to their families and friends.”