Police have launched a murder investigation after a 50-year-old man was stabbed to death in a block of flats in a horrifying attack.
Emergency services raced to the scene in the early hours of Friday morning after reports of the knife attack on Chapel Road in Ilford, east London.
He was pronounced dead at around 1.30am, despite the best efforts of emergency services.
Three men, aged 40, 36 and 28, were arrested shortly after on suspicion of murder.
A police cordon remains in place just moments from the nearby Ilford Elizabeth line station, while forensic officers have been spotted at the scene this afternoon.
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A murder investigation has been launched in Ilford, east London (Image: Daily Express)
Investigation is ‘progressing at pace’ – Met Police
Police have insisted that the murder investigation is moving at a swift pace in a bid to reassure worries local residents.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Basford, who is in charge of policing for the East Area Basic Command Unit, said:
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the man’s friends and family.
“I understand this incident will cause concern in the local community, but I’d like to reassure you that this investigation is progressing at pace led by specialist detectives.
“However, I’d encourage anyone who has any information who hasn’t spoken to us yet to get in touch. My officers will continue to patrol the area over the next few days to offer reassurance and listen to your concerns.”
Huge police cordon in place around town centre
A massive cordon is currently in place in Ilford town centre as detectives and forensic officers continue their enquries.
The first one stretches from Coral betting shop on Chapel Road, the same road where the attack happened, down to the old Greggs, while a second one stretches all the way around the corner to Clements Lane, blocking off a car park and a block of flats.
The crime scene is along a very busy main road, and police officers could be scene preventing passers-by from walking under the police cordon on Friday afternoon.
The crime scene is along a busy main road (Image: Express)
Met Police appealing for witnesses
The Met Police has appealed for more witnesses to come forward after a trio of men were arrested in the early hours on suspicion of murdering a 50-year-old man.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who is leading the investigation, said:
“My team have been busy carrying out a number of enquiries and we have already arrested three people in connection with the murder.
“However, our investigation continues and I’d appeal to anyone who has any information, no matter how small, to contact my team so we can ensure those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 quoting CAD 298/04OCT. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
The victim’s family has been informed (Image: Express)
Three men arrested on suspicion of murder
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The suspects – aged 40, 36 and 28 – remain in custody in a police station in east London.
Detectives say that the investigation is progressing at pace.
Three suspects are in custody (Image: Express)
Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man was found stabbed at a residential property in Ilford.
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Welcome to our live coverage
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of this breaking news incident.
The Express.co.uk team will be bringing you live updates after a 50-year-old man was stabbed to death in east London.
A murder investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police while three men have already been arrested in connection with the stabbing.
A police cordon is in place (Image: Express)