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Detectives investigating how a three-year-old boy was stabbed to death at a flat in south London have arrested a man, believed to be the child's father, on suspicion of murder.

Officers called to the flat in Southwark yesterday evening found the little boy, who they had earlier said was aged four, suffering from stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man and a woman, thought to be his parents, were also discovered at the flat suffering from stab wounds.

The woman, aged 28, had suffered a neck wound and was treated in hospital before being discharged. The man (31) was described as having serious stab wounds.

A 17-month-old girl also found at the address was unhurt.

The Metropolitan police said the 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Press reports speculated he had turned the knife on himself after attacking his family.

He is being treated in hospital for his injuries and his condition is described as serious, but stable.

Earlier police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.