Two children, five and two, found dead in Dagenham as police arrest man and woman known to both boys
16 December 2022, 19:08 | Updated: 16 December 2022, 21:59
Police have launched an investigation after two children, aged five and two, died in Dagenham.
A woman and man, who were known to the children, have been arrested.
Police were called to a property in Cornwallis Road at about 2pm on Friday, where they found the bodies of the boys.
Their family has been informed and is being supported by police.
A short time later, police arrested a woman over the incident, as officers had been called to a "disturbance" at a home near to where the boys died.
A man was also arrested nearby. They are both known to the children, police said, and remain in custody.
Detective Inspector Sean Treweek of the Met's East Area BCU said: "This is clearly an extremely distressing incident with many unanswered questions, however at this very early stage, nobody else is sought in connection with the deaths.
"I want to thank local people for the assistance they have given officers as they begin work along with partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of these two tragic deaths.
"They will see additional officers in the area, and anyone with information or concerns should speak with those officers."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 using reference CAD 3408/15dec.
Local councillor Elizabeth Kangethe, who lives close to Cornwallis Road, said there were a lot of police officers around after the incident.
"They are talking to the locals to reassure us and they have told people who they can contact if they have any concerns, because people will be traumatised," she told the BBC.
"It will be upsetting for everyone, not just the local community, anyone hearing this will be affected, everybody will be shocked, especially being so near Christmas."
