A woman was stabbed in a house while a man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police and paramedics were called to Nutfield Close in Carshalton, south London, at around 10.30am on Thursday, with 42-year-old Gemma Devonish tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of today and remains in custody.
He and Gemma knew each other, the Metropolitan Police said, and investigators are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
Gemma's desperate family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A post mortem will take place in due course.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila said: “Our thoughts today are with Gemma’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with this truly tragic event.
“We offer them all the support we can.
“We know the wider community will also be affected and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak to local officials.
“While we have made an arrest, detectives continue to carry out a series of inquiries to build a picture of the events that led to this horrific murder.
“I would like to ask anyone who is in the Nutfield Close area and may have seen or heard anything suspicious, particularly on Wednesday December 18th or the morning of Thursday December 19th, to get in touch.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, of the South Area Command Unit, responsible for policing in Sutton, said:
“I share the shock and concern that this terrible incident will cause to the local community in Sutton.
“A team of specialist detectives are already making significant progress in this investigation and have quickly arrested a man who is now in police custody.
“Residents will see an increased number of officers in and around Nutfield Close while important investigative work is carried out.
“I would like to thank residents for their patience as this continues and would urge anyone who has concerns to speak to one of them so they can help.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 7175 2206 or via 101 quoting CAD 3012/19Dec.
To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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