Two teenage boys have died after being stabbed within hours of each other in London on Monday evening, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 15-year-old died after being stabbed in Greenwich at around 5pm and a 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after being stabbed in Lambeth just before midnight.

Police were called to Woolwich New Road in Greenwich at 5.23pm and found a 15-year-old boy with stab wounds – he died at the scene around half an hour later.

Another 15-year-old, who later took himself to hospital suffering from a knife wound, has been arrested on suspicion of the other boy’s murder.

In Lambeth, a 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene after being found in Oval Place. There have been no arrests.

The family of both boys have been told.

Superintendent Petra Lazar said of the Greenwich incident: “It is shocking and extremely saddening that a teenage boy has lost his life as the result of knife crime.

“My thoughts at this time are with the family of the boy who has died.

“This incident will understandably cause worry and concern to local residents and I would like to reassure them my officers are supporting the murder detectives in every way we can.

“Increased patrols will be carried out in the area over the next few days.”

Reacting to news of the two stabbings, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am heartbroken and appalled by the deaths of two teenagers in our city.

“Every loss of life leaves a family and a community devastated.

“I am determined to do everything in my power to support the police and our communities to put an end to these horrendous crimes and keep our young people safe.”

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