A murder investigation has been launched after a "despicable" double attack on two young women left one dead and one seriously injured in Kingston.

Officers were called to an address yesterday, July 19, at 5pm after concerns were raised for the welfare of two women. Neither were found, but a second address in Coombe Lane West was searched after a young woman was admitted to a south London hospital with stab or slash injuries.

The body of a young woman was found around 8pm at the Coombe Lane West address.

The injured woman remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. Police are treating the attack as attempted murder.

Three people have been arrested.

A 33-year-old has been arrested in Kent on suspicion of murder while 28-year-old man was arrested in New Malden on suspicion of murder.

A 29-year-old woman also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All three remain in custody at separate police stations.

Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased and next of kin have been informed.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Price said: "We are doing everything we can to fully understand the circumstances of this despicable attack on two young women. The death of the [woman] is being treated as murder and the attack on [the other] is being treated as attempted murder. We are appealing for anyone with information to contact us.

"At this early stage it is believed the two victims were taken to an address before being attacked."

A Met Police spokesman added: “Whilst we are keeping an open mind as to the motive for murder the victim and those arrested are known to each other and we are not seeking anyone else.”

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact 020 8721 4066 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.