Police believe deaths were result of clash between groups of Sikh men in Redbridge

This article is more than 7 months old

This article is more than 7 months old

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after three men were stabbed to death in a clash police believe was between groups of Sikh men.

Police responded to reports of a disturbance on Elmstead Road in Seven Kings, Ilford, east London, on Sunday at 7.38pm.

All three, believed to be in their 20s or 30s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Speaking at the scene on Monday, Ch Supt Stephen Clayman said the suspects and the victims were known to each other. “We believe the groups involved are members of the Sikh community,” he said.

Officers were still contacting members of the deceased men’s families. “It was a horrific scene for anyone to come across and my heart goes out to the families and those affected by it because it is unprecedented to have something like this,” he said.

Police are still investigating a motive.

Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge council, was among those at the cordon around where the men were killed. He lives close to the scene and, like the victims and those arrested, is from the Sikh community.

He said: “This is unheard of here in terms of people from the Sikh community involved in this kind of horrific crime.”

The mayor of London said extra police enforcement powers had been authorised in the area until 8am on Monday.

Sadiq Khan said: “I’m in touch with senior Met police officers and local representatives after a serious incident in Redbridge, where three men have lost their lives. My thoughts are with their families and the local community at this dreadful time.”

The Ilford South Labour MP, Sam Tarry, tweeted on Sunday night: “Heartbroken to find out that three people have been stabbed in Seven Kings, Ilford, tonight.”

In a separate post, he said: “Knife crime is a crisis engulfing our capital, bringing heartache, misery and fear to so many. The police, local authorities, schools, youth and mental health services desperately need the funding and support restoring. No ifs, no buts, no excuses.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference 6374/19 Jan or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.