Hackney stabbing: Murder investigation after 4-year-old child dies with knife injuries

A murder investigation has been launched in Hackney after a four-year-old boy died from knife wounds.

At about 10.50pm on Wednesday (December 20), police received a call raising concerns for the welfare of a child at an address in Montague Road, Hackney Downs, near Dalston.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and inside they found a four-year-old boy suffering knife injuries. He was taken to hospital for treatment but subsequently died from his injuries. His next of kin have been informed.

Police say a 41-year-old woman, who was known to the boy, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.

"We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.

"Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young child’s death, and the events that led up to it. This incident occurred within the home and, while is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.”