Police have shot down claims that the body of a young woman found murdered in Kingston this week was found dismembered.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the body of a woman found in Coombe Lane West on Wednesday, 19 July, was found intact.

Police say they searched two properties, one in Merton and another in Sutton, around 5pm when a caller said they were concerned for the welfare of two women.

Three hours later, officers received a call from a south London hospital when a woman in her 20s arrived with stab or slash injuries. Police then discovered the other woman's body at the address on Coombe Lane West just after 8pm.

Two men, a 33-year-old and 28-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A woman has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The investigation is looking at "a number of other alleged offences", police say. It is believed the women were last seen safe and well at the Merton property, which is currently being searched as part of the investigation.

The second woman remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said one of the men was arrested in Dover trying to leave the country.

"When the relative told me what happened earlier I thought 'oh my God that is awful'.

"There was at least six or seven cars maybe more and at least ten relatives here.

"I spoke to the neighbours earlier and they said that the person who rented the house out had only done so at the weekend.

The girls were brought to the house, which is owned by the same family next door, between 1.30pm and 3pm, another neighbour said.

Outside the house yesterday, 20 July, a Renault Clio with its driver's window smashed was parked up and a silver fridge freezer could be seen through the open front door behind the police cordon.

The owners of the house refused to speak, apparently on advice of police.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police said a search is being carried out at the address in Merton.

Police confirmed the 33-year-old has been arrested in Kent and the 28-year-old man in New Malden on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody at separate police stations.

A 29-year-old woman also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. She was released under investigation yesterday (Thursday, 20 July).

Murder squad Detective Chief Inspector Sam Price said: "Our investigation is at an early stage, and we are doing everything we can to fully understand the circumstances of this terrible attack on two young women.

"At this stage one line of enquiry is that the two women were taken against their will to the address in Kingston, by a man who they both knew. They were last seen safe and well at an address in Merton, prior to being police being contacted about concerns for their safety and welfare.

"It is clear that both women were subject to a violent attack, resulting in the death of one woman. Fortunately one of the women managed to get away from the address and seek help, how this happened will form part of this investigation.

"I am keeping an open mind as to the motive, but we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this case.

"I'd ask anyone who may have any information that could help our inquiry to get in contact and talk to us."

Due to the time period when the two women were reported missing to the time that one was found dead, a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission has been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4066 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.