^{File photograph: Metropolitan Police}

A one-year-old child and her three-year-old brother were stabbed to death in east London on Sunday evening.

The children, who the local community have identified as being from a Tamil family that fled Sri Lanka, died within hours of each other.

A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital in a critical condition, where he remains, with reports identifying him as the father of the children. He is thought to have stabbed the children and then attempted to take his own life.

The girl reportedly died at the scene, whilst the young boy passed away at a major trauma centre in the city, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The Metropolitan Police said they have launched a murder investigation but were not looking for any further suspects.  “It is believed that all parties involved were known to each other; all three had suffered knife injuries,” the police added.

Labour MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting said the incident was “heartbreaking,” whilst Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, said his thoughts “are with the family and wider community who are grieving this unspeakable tragedy”. “We ask that everyone please respects the family's privacy at this difficult time,” he added.

Ilford South MP Sam Tarry tweeted that the incident was "terrible news". "My heart goes out to the surviving mother," he added. "We keep those affected in our prayers tonight."