A woman was stabbed to death and a man killed after being hit by a car in a double tragedy in West London today.
Metropolitan Police officers were dispatched to reports of a stabbing in Maida Vale during the morning rush hour at about 9am, and when they got to the scene also found a man who had been hit by a car.
Paramedic teams from the London Ambulance Service were called as well as crews from London Fire Brigade, who freed the man as he was trapped under the vehicle, but both victims were declared dead at the scene.
Police said they had launched ‘an urgent investigation’ after the incident and officers were working to tell the families of the deceased. They have not made any arrests and said post-mortem examinations will be arranged.
Photographs taken at the scene this afternoon showed forensic teams investigating and taking photographs amid a huge police presence with a large cordon in place that was causing five bus routes to go on diversion.
Witnesses told how residents who live within the cordon were not allowed to enter, and local MP Karen Buck said what happened was ‘horrific’ and ‘devastating’ for both relatives of those killed and the surrounding community.
The incident happened on Chippenham Road which has an average house price of £497,000 and features a row of traditional townhouse terraces mostly now converted into flats as well as a park including a children’s playground.
Metropolitan Police officers investigate at the scene in Maida Vale, West London, this afternoon following the double death
Forensics officers in Maida Vale today after a woman was stabbed to death and a man was killed after being hit by a car
Forensic tents at the scene in Maida Vale today after the incident which caused five bus routes to go on diversion
Detectives investigate this afternoon following the double death which happened in Maida Vale, West London
Local roads were closed with buses 31, 36, 228 and 328 all on diversion. Westminster North Labour MP Ms Buck, whose constituency address is just 200 yards away, tweeted today: ‘Horrific events this morning in Elgin Avenue, which will be devastating for family and friends of those killed and also for the local community.’
Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smithson said: ‘This morning an incredibly serious incident has unfolded in the Westminster area which has seen two people pronounced dead. Our officers are on scene and are working to establish exactly what has happened. As soon as we have more information will keep the public updated but for now we must avoid speculation and allow investigators to do their work.
‘What I can say at this time is that the incident is contained and we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the community. We have spoken to a number of people already but anyone else who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help us, is urged to make contact immediately.’
Councillor Tim Roca, who represents the Harrow Road ward on Westminster City Council, tweeted: ‘Just hearing about the tragic events on Chippenham road this morning. Absolutely awful news and fair to say the community is in shock.’
Forensics officers in Maida Vale today after a woman was stabbed to death and a man was killed after being hit by a car
Metropolitan Police officers on the scene this afternoon following the double death in Maida Vale, West London
Forensics officers in Maida Vale today after a woman was stabbed to death and a man was killed after being hit by a car
A Metropolitan Police officer in a forensic suit at the scene on Chippenham Road in Maida Vale this afternoon
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: ‘An urgent investigation has been launched following the deaths of a woman and a man in Maida Vale.
‘Police were called at 9.01am on Monday, January 24 to reports of a stabbing in Chippenham Road, W9. Officers, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended the scene.
‘A woman was found at the scene with stab injuries. Officers also found a man at the location who had been struck by a vehicle. Both the man and the woman were pronounced dead at the scene.
‘Officers are working to inform their families. Post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course. There has been no arrest at this stage. Enquiries are under way to establish the circumstances. Roads are closed in the area.’
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: ‘We were called at 9.02am today to reports of an incident on Chippenham Road, W9.
‘We sent a number of resources to the scene, including two ambulance crews, two clinical team leaders, an advanced paramedic, two tactical response units, a medic in a car, an incident response officer, and members of our hazardous area response team.
Detectives investigate this afternoon after the double death happened in Maida Vale, West London
Metropolitan Police officers in forensic suits at the scene today on Chippenham Road in Maida Vale, West London
Emergency services at the scene today on Chippenham Road following the incident in Maida Vale, West London
‘We also dispatched by road London’s Air Ambulance. Despite our medics’ efforts, two people died at the scene.’
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: ‘Firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on Chippenham Road in Maida Vale this morning. One car had been in collision with a pedestrian and a man was trapped under the vehicle.
‘Crews released him from under the car but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Another woman was also sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
‘The Brigade was called at 9.10am and the incident was over for firefighters by 9.47am. Two fire engines from North Kensington and Paddington fire stations and a fire rescue unit from Paddington fire station were at the scene.’
The incident happened on the junction of Chippenham Road and Elgin Avenue which is located four roads away from the BBC’s famous Maida Vale studios.
Police said witnesses can call them on 101 quoting the reference 1496/24jan, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online
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