A murder investigation has been launched after two men were “deliberately” struck with a car in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A 52-year-old man later died in hospital just after 5pm on Sunday following the collision in High Road, Leytonstone; which is not being treated as gang related.

The Metropolitan police said it believed the collision was “a deliberate act by the driver of the car” following an earlier altercation.

The other pedestrian that was struck, a 32-year-old man, is believed to have serious but non life-threatening injuries and is recovering in hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley, who is leading the investigation, said: “At this early stage it appears that this was a deliberate act by the driver of the car.

“There had been an altercation in the street prior to this incident and I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact police.”

Since the incident and the man’s death, the leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Clare Coghill, has issued a statement in which she confirms the incident is not being treated as gang related.

She said: “We are all saddened by the horrific incident in Leytonstone which has left one man dead and another injured in hospital.

“Police have launched a murder investigation into the incident, which is not being treated as gang related. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims at this difficult time.

“I know the community will share my shock that a man has lost his life in this deliberate attack in a public area. The police must be supported as they try to find the person responsible for this horrendous crime.”

Those with any information are encouraged to contact the incident room on 0208 345 3715, or call police on 101 quoting the reference CAD 304/5May.

People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.