A 40-year-old man has been arrested after a mother-of-two was stabbed to death in Bethnal Green while her children were at school, Scotland Yard has said.
Formal identification of the woman’s body has not yet taken place but detectives believe the victim is 40-year-old Yasmin Begum.
Her family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A post-mortem examination carried out on Saturday established the cause of her death as multiple sharp force injuries.
The man, who was arrested on Sunday, remains in police custody.
The alarm was raised at 4.06pm on Thursday after Ms Begum failed to pick up her children from school, the Metropolitan Police said.
Officers then rushed to an address on Globe Road where they found her with stab injuries.
Detective Laurence Smith, leading the investigation, said it was “heartbreaking” that “yet another” woman has been killed.
She said: “My thoughts are with Yasmin’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. I want to reassure them that we are working around the clock to get them the answers they deserve.
“It is heart-breaking that yet another woman has been killed. All women and girls have the right to feel safe, at any time, day or night, in public or at home, and we will do everything we can to find those responsible for this.
“Tackling violence against woman is one of the Met’s top priorities. Police officers, including forensic specialists, remain at the scene. We will continue to carry out door-to-door enquiries and local people will also see additional police in the area.
“We are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with any information, to contact us. No matter how insignificant you think your information might be, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. It could be key to this investigation.”
One neighbour said the woman had lived there for 10 years, adding: “She was a nice lady, no problems. She had a partner and an ex partner also visited. We are in complete shock.”
Another said: “There was some noise coming from the block, like an argument but to be honest it’s normal around here. I wondered what had happened when I saw the police arrived, there seemed to be dozens of them.
“We are devastated to think one of our neighbours has died in this way.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 4738/24Mar. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
