A murder investigation has been launched after a four-year-old boy died following a knife attack in east London.
Police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackney, at around 10.50pm last night following concerns about the welfare of a child.
Inside, officers found a four-year-old boy who had suffered knife injuries.
He was rushed to hospital but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he later died from his injuries.
A 41-year-old woman, who was known to the boy, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, the Met Police said.
The boy's next-of-kin have been notified and are receiving support, a Met Police spokesperson said.
The family is believed to have Irish connections.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was "aware of the case and providing consular assistance".
"As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases."
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."
