A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two teenagers were fatally stabbed just a mile apart in south-east London.
Officers were called at around 17:10 GMT on Saturday to reports of injuries to people in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood and Titmuss Avenue in Thamesmead.
Despite the presence of police and paramedics, the two 16-year-old boys were pronounced dead.
They were named as Kearne Solanke and Charlie Bartolo. The families of the victims are being supported by specialist officers, police said.
Local MP Abena Oppong-Asare told BBC Radio London the community was “in utter shock”.
“At the moment we have to focus on the families who are trying to cope. I have been contacted by some constituents who are affected and also some who want to provide support.
“It’s heartbreaking lives have been lost, it’s a beautiful community. This doesn’t happen every day. People shouldn’t be afraid.”
“Agencies and organizations are working very hard but clearly we are not doing enough,” added the Labor MP for Erith and Thamesmead.
“I don’t want to be in a position where I have to comment on the death of another young person.
“We all have to come together and do what’s best for the community.”
After the arrest was announced, Det Ch Insp Kate Blackburn said in a statement: “This is a positive development in what is a complex and fast-moving investigation. The families of Charlie and Kearne have been informed.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to appeal to the public for help in building a picture of what happened on Saturday night.
“If you have information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, please come forward.”
Earlier at one of the crime scenes, Det Supt Richard McDonagh said: “Colleagues from the homicide squad are investigating and treating both murders as linked.
“I can assure anyone affected by these murders that experienced detectives will work tirelessly to find out what happened and provide answers to the young victims and families.”
He added: “Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a dark colored SUV or 4×4 with distinctive silver roof bars in the areas around Sewell Road or Titmuss Avenue in the time leading up to the murders.”
At the edge of a large residential development, Sewell Road returns to a busy main road. It is still surrounded by police tape lining the street.
According to neighbors, the street is poorly lit at night and attracts groups of young people.
Just meters from where Charlie Bartolo was stabbed to death, flowers, balloons and football flags cover the footpath between a group of houses.
Many of the memoirs were apparently written by children, a clear reminder of how young these victims are.
Friends, family and classmates of the 16-year-old were at the scene with their parents. Everyone is visibly upset.
Despite one arrest, it is clear the police investigation is still ongoing as officers continue to make door-to-door inquiries.