Two 17-year-old boys have died and two other males have been seriously injured in a stabbing incident in Milton Keynes.

Thames Valley police said one of the teenagers died at the scene and the other in hospital. A double murder investigation has been launched and their next of kin have been informed.

DCS Ian Hunter said: “Two other males, one aged 17 and one aged 23, were also injured as a result of this incident, which occurred at a private house party.”

The survivors are in hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. There have so far been no arrests.

The two victims have been named locally as Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice. Two tearful cousins of Ansah laid flowers at the scene on Sunday afternoon.

One of the cousins, who did not wish to give her name, said: “He’s come here with his long-time best friend since childhood, comes to a party and both of their lives just got ripped away from them.

“He was just so respectful to his family and friends. Many, many people’s hearts are broken.”

Police and South Central ambulance service were called to a property in Archford Croft in the Emerson Valley area just before midnight on Saturday after reports of a stabbing. Officers remained at the scene on Sunday where forensic investigations were under way.

Hunter said the address would remain a sealed-off crime scene for several days. “Clearly, this is a dreadful incident, and we are in the very early stages of the investigation.”

Recognising the concern in the community after the incident, Hunter added: “I believe the people directly involved in this incident are all likely to have known each other.” He said there were about 15 to 20 people present at the house party.

On Sunday, two forensic officers could be seen inspecting an object on the driveway of a house in Archford Croft, beside a black BMW. One neighbour said she heard a “commotion” involving screaming, shortly before midnight, but did not see what happened. “The police were here pretty quick,” she told PA Media.

Residents said it was usually a quiet part of the estate. “It is really unusual in this road to hear any noise in the evening, so when I heard what sounded like a serious altercation taking place I decided to call the police immediately,” one man told the Daily Mirror.

“The police and ambulances were here within minutes of my call and I saw a couple of dozen young people coming out of the house as the police went in. It was a very unusual scene for this place, which is normally so quiet.”

Police have appealed for information and said they were supporting the victims’ families.

Hunter said: “Our priorities at this time are to conduct a thorough investigation and to support those who have been affected. Officers are currently at the scene, which has been cordoned off, and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

“I would like to speak to anyone who has any information which could help with our enquiries or anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Archford Croft at around the time of the incident around midnight. Even if you think details may be insignificant, please come forward and speak to police.”