A murder investigation is underway after a man reportedly tried to throw a body in the River Thames this morning.

It is thought the victim was killed at an address in Thornton Heath before the corpse was taken in a car to Deptford.

Police were called to a report of a man believed to be attempting to put a body in the Thames at Deptford Wharf at about 3am.

They stopped a car in nearby Evelyn Street and found the body of a man, aged in his 20s, in the car.

He had sustained head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being questioned at a south London police station.

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Deptford Wharf has been cordoned off by police

Police have also arrested a woman at an address in Thornton Heath in connection with the death.

Residents living near to where the body was discovered said the area was usually very quiet.

Pamela Cullen, 69, said: “I heard a banging noise in the night, the area is usually very quiet and you can only hear foxes and gulls.

"I'm not really suprised about this, it's not the first time. There was a similar case several years back.

"I hope the person who died was not too young."

And 24-year-old Ngan Nguyen said: “I woke up at 6am and I saw the police outside by the river.

“I didn't know what was going on.

“I am very shocked, it is usually a safe area and we have no trouble."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information can call the incident room at Sutton on 020 8721 4005.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or contact them via Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Do you know more about this story? Call the newsroom on 020 8722 6353 or email rfisk@london.newsquest.co.uk