Four people, including two teenagers, have died in less than 24 hours after a series of stabbings in London on New Year's Eve.

The unrelated attacks happened in West Ham, Tulse Hill, Enfield and Old Street between 11am on December 31 and 2.30am on January 1. The victims were all aged between 17 and 20.

The attack victims included two teenagers, taking the number of teenagers murdered in London in 2017 to 26.

A police forensics tent was put up in Tulse Hill after one of the four attacks last night

Forensics officers and police on the scene near Old Street, east London, today

Police stand by a cordon as forensics teams carry out their investigations at the scene near Old Street in east London

Four victims, aged between 17 and 20, were killed in attacks around the capital last night

The year's teenage death toll - which includes 20 killed in stabbings - is the highest number for a decade. 12 teenagers were stabbed to death in the capital in 2016.

Commander Neil Jerome, of the Met's Territorial Policing Command, said the vast majority of New Year's Eve revellers had been peaceful and law-abiding.

But, he added: 'There were small groups who chose to engage in disorder and violence, and whose actions have had utterly tragic consequences.

'It is heart-breaking that, at a time when so many of us are contemplating what lies ahead in 2018, four families are dealing with the grief of losing a loved one to senseless violence and the callous use of knives as lethal weapons.'

Five men have been detained in connection with the killing in Enfield although no arrests have been made in the other cases.

In Tulse Hill, south London, local resident Clive Harriott, 56, described how he watched a group of about 10 teenagers 'arguing and shouting' before police arrived at the scene.

He said the group were stood around a bus stop and he suspected a fight had taken place.

An officer then appeared to be trying to revive someone lying on the ground at the bus stop where a forensic tent remained in place this afternoon, Mr Harriott said.

Scotland Yard forensics teams are also investigating a knife attack in Old Street

The killing, in this housing estate, was the last of the four knife attacks in the capital

London mayor Sadiq Khan said today: 'The police have today assured me that everything is being done to bring to justice those responsible for these appalling acts of violence.

'The police were out in force helping people enjoy our city's fantastic celebrations last night, and I thank them.

'However, it is horrific that knife crime has claimed another four young lives as the New Year begins.

'We will work tirelessly in 2018 and beyond to stamp out this scourge.

'I want to be absolutely clear - if you use a knife the full force of the law will be brought down on you. You will be caught and prosecuted.'

This was the scene in West Ham this morning after a 20-year-old man was stabbed to death

The West Ham attack was the second fatal stabbing of the day, two more happened last night

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'At around 11:30hrs on 31 December, an 18-year-old man was stabbed in Larmans Road, Enfield. He died at hospital that evening.

'At around 19:35hrs on 31 December, a 20-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Memorial Avenue, West Ham.

'At around 22:40hrs on 31 December, a 17-year-old male was fatally stabbed in Norwood Road near the junction with Station Rise, Tulse Hill.

'At around 02:35hrs on 1 January, a 20-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Bartholomew Court, Old Street EC1. A second male, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital suffering critical stab injuries.'

Commenting on the Tulse Hill attack, the spokesman added: 'At this early stage, police retain an open mind as to any motive.

'Enquiries have indicated that an initial altercation may have begun on board a route 68 bus travelling towards Herne Hill shortly before the stabbing.'

The Tulse Hill attack was the third of four killings around the capital in just 24 hours

Woman stabbed 'after row' in London bar A 20-year-old woman was stabbed in the face by another woman while celebrating New Year in London's Soho. The victim was taken to hospital, but her injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Police were called to a busy bar in Frith Street, Soho, at around 11.15pm on New Year's Eve to reports of a stabbing. A Met Police spokesman said: 'At this early stage officers retain an open mind as to motive, however it is believed that the stabbing followed a brief altercation involving a female suspect. 'Westminster CID are investigating. The re have been no arrests, and inquiries are continuing.' Advertisement

Commander Jerome added: 'I can assure Londoners - and the families and friends of the four males killed and the fifth who remains in hospital - that detectives will work tirelessly to bring to justice those responsible for such despicable acts of violence.

'As we begin these investigations and the provision of support to four grieving families, days like this serve to re-enforce the determination of the Metropolitan Police to tackle knife crime and violence on our streets; especially offences committed by and against young people.

'I would urge anyone with information about these attacks, and more generally about anyone who routinely carries a knife, to urgently pass that information to police or Crimestoppers.

'If you've hesitated to do so before, then these four tragic deaths at the start of a new year may persuade you to act now to make London safer for your family and friends in 2018.'

Police believe the victim in West Ham was in a large group of people when he was attacked.

The first killing took place in this residential street in Enfield, north London yesterday

Detective Chief Inspect Will Reynolds, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: 'This attack has robbed a young man of his future and robbed a family of their loved one.

'The victim was with a number of people at the time of the attack, and I urgently need to trace this group of young men.

'Memorial Avenue is a busy residential area close to West Ham station. I know that there were people in the area who witnessed the incident, and I also need them to come forward.'