Man, 37, arrested after mother and son, 5, stabbed to death in north London

21 June 2022, 17:16 | Updated: 21 June 2022, 20:56

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a mother and her five-year-old son, were found stabbed at an address in north-London, on Tuesday.

Police were called to an address in Brookside South, Barnet, at just after 1.30pm after a 37-year-old woman and a child were found with stab wounds.

They were both pronounced dead at the scene.

A 37-year old man, believed to have been known to the victims, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, the force said.

A neighbour of the victims said she was in tears after finding out what happened.

Becky, 39, who did not give her last name, said: "It's just shocking, it really is... I knew the family - nice, quiet Chinese family.

"I'm a mother of two girls, similar age (to the child victim), they have never played but they have met them before.

"I have cried so much, earlier in particular when I heard that a child was involved, that was devastating."

A dog walker described the family who lived in the now cordoned off house as "happy", adding: "It's such a shock and tragedy."

On who lives there, he added: "A Chinese couple, a young couple, I don't talk to them much, there are two kids, one boy and one girl.

"I'm so surprised, when I walk the dog each evening, they haven't got a dog but they would go around the block happily, having an evening, after dinner walk.

"They looked a happy family."

Another mother-of-two who lives on the street said the deaths had left her feeling scared.

"I don't know them, it's definitely very sad, it's shameful," Rummana Chowdhury, 37, said.

"I can't believe this, it's unbelievable.

"It's scary and sad as well because this morning everything was OK and suddenly this happened."

Forensics experts have been working at the property while police have cordoned off a section of the road, with officers patrolling it, escorting residents in and out.

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Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, policing commander for the North West including Barnet, said: "The whole community will be shocked and saddened to hear of this terrible incident.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman and child who have died and also with the officers and paramedics who were first to arrive at what was an incredibly challenging scene.

"Specialist detectives are working to establish what took place and a man is in custody. While they are keeping an open mind as to what has taken place, I would like to reassure residents in the local area that there is nothing to indicate, at this stage, that anyone else was involved in this incident.

"I would urge anyone who saw or heard anything unusual earlier today, or in recent days, to come forward and speak to the police. Your information could be vital as the investigation moves forward."

Information can be provided to police by calling 101 with the reference 3590/21JUN.

Alternatively, it can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.