A woman who was about eight months pregnant has been stabbed to death in south London.
The 26-year-old was found with stab wounds at a home in Raymead Avenue, Thornton Heath, Croydon, at 03:30 BST and pronounced dead at the scene.
Scotland Yard said her baby was delivered by paramedics and taken to hospital. The child remains in a critical condition.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Det Ch Insp Mick Norman described it as “a horrific incident” and said the force’s “sympathies go out to [the woman’s] devastated family”.
Forensic officers were seen arriving at the scene on Sunday morning.
Chandra Mutucumarana, who has been living on Raymead Avenue since 1976, said he was “utterly shocked”.
He told BBC News: “Nothing like this has ever happened in this street. It is usually a very quiet residential street.
“The neighbours are all upset for her but hopeful for the child.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted that his “prayers are with this innocent child and with the mother it has so tragically lost”.
The Met said the woman’s next of kin had been informed and a post-mortem examination would be held in due course.
A large crime scene “is likely to be in place for some time”, Det Ch Insp Norman said.
Source:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-48814571