Police have launched a triple homicide investigation after three men were stabbed to death in Seven Kings.

Ilford Recorder: Three men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen BraddickThree men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen Braddick (Image: Archant)

Emergency services were called to a disturbance in Elmstead Road at 7.38pm this evening, Sunday, January 19.

Three men were found suffering stab injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are in the process of establishing formal identification and informing all next of kin.

Post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course.

Ilford Recorder: Three men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen BraddickThree men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen Braddick (Image: Archant)

Police said a thorough investigation is underway and crime scenes are in place in the area as officers begin a full forensic examination. This will continue into Monday and potentially beyond.

A large police cordon is in place - Seven Kings High Road is cordoned off at the junction of New Road.

Elmstead Road, Salisbury Road and Electric Parade are also cordoned off.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, commander of the Met's East Area BCU, said: "While enquiries into this tragic incident are at an early stage, this is likely to be a triple homicide investigation.

Ilford Recorder: Three men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen BraddickThree men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen Braddick (Image: Archant)

"We must retain an open mind as to any motive as we are in the early stages of establishing the full circumstances."

There have been no arrests at this stage.

Councillor Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, said: "A deeply distressing night has just got a lot worse.

"Deeply saddened by the deaths of three young men in Seven kings as a result of knife crime.

Ilford Recorder: Three men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen BraddickThree men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen Braddick (Image: Archant)

"I have asked for extra police resources. The mayor has promised every help that is needed and the council will assist in any way it can."

Deputy leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Kam Rai, added: "Knife crime is becoming all too common, we need a national strategy and more police resource now."

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote CAD6374/19JAN or contact Crimestoppers UK 100pc anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ilford Recorder: Three men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen BraddickThree men were stabbed to death near Elmstead Road, Seven Kings on Sunday, January 19. Picture: Imogen Braddick (Image: Archant)