Detectives investigating the murders this week of two eastern European men have said the murders are linked and they cannot rule out ties to organised crime.

A 30-year-old was found dead with stab wounds inside the boot of a car on Thursday night on the Barnet bypass, near Scratchwood Park, north London. The body of a 35-year-old was found in undergrowth in Hogg Lane, Elstree in Hertfordshire the following afternoon.

The Metropolitan police said a 31-year-old man found at the Barnet scene was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and had been taken into custody after being discharged from hospital.

A statement said: “The discovery in Elstree has been linked to the murder in Barnet. No further specific details are being provided at this time.

“Officers are working to establish how long the body had been there, and whether the incident took place before or after the discovery in Barnet.

“Post-mortems for both victims are in the process of being scheduled and will take place in due course. Their families are being supported by specialist officers.”

DCI Simon Stancombe said: “Our investigation is in its very early stages and at this time we are pursuing a number of leads to try to establish exactly what chain of events has led to two men losing their lives.

“Forensics examination continues and we are being closely supported by our colleagues at Hertfordshire constabulary to understand the chronology of events.

“At these very early stages, we believe both the deceased men are eastern European males. While we retain an open mind as to a motive, we cannot rule out whether there might be a potential organised criminal element. We also believe that the two victims might have been known to each other.”

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have information relating to suspicious vehicles being driven erratically in the Barnet or Elstree areas, or any suspicious activities they may have noticed.

DCI Stancombe said: “The slightest fragment of information could prove crucial, so even if it may seem insignificant, please call the incident room or make use of anonymous methods such as the independent charity Crimestoppers.”