Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a 44-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in Seven Kings.

Police were called on Wednesday evening just after 7pm following reports of an unconscious woman in the street.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.16pm.

Police have not yet revealed the identity of the woman whose body was discovered when they arrived at the address in Norkfolk Road, but said she had suffered serious stab injuries to the neck.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating, led by Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams.

Next of kin have been notified but formal identification awaits and a post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

In the early hours of Thursday, January 4, a 45-year-old man was arrested by detectives at an address in Newham on suspicion of murder.

He was taken to an east London police station where he remains at this time.

Inquiries are ongoing.

A resident living near to where the incident happened said the victim was stabbed multiple times.

“My neighbour was walking past when it happened – It was right in front of him – it’s terrible he was in shock,” he said.

“The whole road was then full of police.

“I have lived here for a lot of years and things have got a lot worse down this road.

“You see people doing drugs, as in transactions, all the time.

“My daughters won’t walk back from the station at night as they don’t feel safe anymore and get a cab back instead.”

Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information that could assist the investigation but has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Crime Command incident room on 020 8345 3775 or tweet @MetCC.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at the www.crimestoppers-uk.org website.