A baby is in critical condition after a pregnant mum was fatally stabbed at an address in Thornton Heath.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers were called to Raymead Avenue at around 3.30am this morning (June 29) to reports of a woman suffering a cardiac arrest.

Upon arrival, they found a 26-year-old woman with stab wounds, who was confirmed to be approximately 8 months pregnant by paramedics.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the victim sadly died at the scene.

Her baby was delivered at the scene before being taken to hospital.

The child remains there in a critical condition.

Police said that next of kin have been informed, but formal identification has yet to take place.

A spokesman for Met Police confirmed a murder investigation has been opened, but investigators are keeping an "open mind" as to the motive.

The Met's Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating, led by Detective Chief Inspector Mick Norman.

He said: "This is a horrific incident in which a young mother has lost her life and her child is critically ill. Our sympathies go out to her devastated family; they are being supported by specially trained officers following this awful event, and I would ask that they are left alone at this time as they come to terms with the enormity of what has happened.

"A large crime scene is in place, and is likely to be in place for some time. Residents should be aware that if they have any concerns, or information they would like to share with us, that they can speak to any of the officers there, or call our incident room on 020 8721 4005. Alternatively please use the anonymous methods of reporting information to the police, such as Crimestoppers, if you wish.

"At the forefront of our enquiries is understanding what exactly has lead to these tragic circumstances, and we are doing everything we can to establish the facts."

Anyone with any information should contact police on the dedicated Incident Room number of 0208 7214005, or ring 101 quoting CAD 1358/29 Jun or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.