Police believe two church-goers murdered in Leytonstone were attacked by a gang wielding knives and baseball bats, according to reports.

Detectives are urgently trying to identify those responsible for murdering Aaron Carriere, 21, and Josiah Manful, 20, in Montague Road on Saturday at 1am.

The pair were found in a black Ford Fiesta in the early hours of Saturday morning suffering multiple stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

No arrests have been made and the Met issued a fresh appeal for witnesses and information this morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Attewell, leading investigations, said: “We are in the early stages of this investigation and retain an open mind as to the motive of this ferocious attack,” he said.

“It is of paramount importance that we establish why these two young men were attacked and who is responsible for their deaths,” he added.

The men were both pronounced dead at the scene after the incident was reported around 1am on Saturday morning.

Witnesses are said to have reported that the pair, who are believed to have lived in the area, were killed trying to defend themselves against a gang wielding knives and baseball bats.

The cause of Mr Carriere’s death was stab wounds to the neck, while Mr Manful, a former student of Buxton School in Cann Hall Road, died from shock, haemorrhaging and stab wounds to the chest.

Both weekly churchgoers, the pair were described by friends and family as kind, bubbly and generous.

One card accompanying a floral tribute left at the scene read: "Can't believe you're gone, Love Cherelle X."

Another card carried the message: "R.I.P aaron, always in our hearts, miss you. xxx"

Anyone with information is asked to call 0208 345 3715 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.