A baby girl and a three-year-old boy have been stabbed to death at a house in Ilford, east London.

A 40-year-old man with knife injuries was found at the house and taken to hospital, the Metropolitan police said. The man and the two children were were all known to each other.

A murder investigation has been launched although police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Officers were called at approximately 5.30pm on Sunday following reports of a man and two children injured at a residential address in Aldborough Road North.

London ambulance service and London’s air ambulance also attended the incident. A one-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene, and a three-year-old boy was taken to hospital for treatment but later died.

The 40-year-old man is being treated in hospital and his condition is not known, while homicide detectives from the specialist crime division are investigating.

Jas Athwal, the leader of Redbridge council, tweeted: “Earlier today there was an incident in Ilford. Two young children have passed away and an investigation is ongoing. My thoughts are with the family and wider community who are grieving this unspeakable tragedy.

“I am in contact with the police who are doing all they can to bring the investigation to a resolution. We ask that everyone please respects the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”