A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was stabbed to death and a man was found dead in Ilford yesterday. 

Emergency services were called to Valentines Road at around 5.30pm where the woman, believed to be in her 20s, was found suffering from multiple stab wounds. 

She was taken to an east London hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Just over an hour later at 7pm, police attended Auckland Road in Ilford where a man, also thought to be in his 20s, was found collapsed in the street. 

He died shortly after arriving at an east London hospital but detectives are not treating his death as suspicious at this early stage. 

Scotland Yard has said both victims were known to each other but were not related and their deaths are being investigated by officers from the Homicide & Major Crime Command in Barking. 

A spokesman said: "Officers believe they know the identity of both the deceased but await formal identification and confirmation that all next of kin have been informed.

"The woman, who had suffered multiple stab wounds, is being treated as murder.

"At this early stage, there is no evidence to suggest that the death of the man is suspicious."

Post-mortem examinations will be held in due course.

Valentines Road is currently sealed off in both directions with access only to residents of that road. 

No arrests have been made. 

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or has information that may assist the investigation should call the incident room on 020 345 1570. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.