A man has been arrested after a woman was stabbed to death in Neasden in the early hours of this morning – and police say it could be linked to a nearby stabbing last night.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Police at the scene of the woman's death in Neasden Lane. Picture: Lucas CumiskeyPolice at the scene of the woman's death in Neasden Lane. Picture: Lucas Cumiskey (Image: Archant)

Police were called by medics to Neasden Lane just after 2.30am and found the woman suffering from knife injuries. She died 15 minutes later.

A 43-year-old man, who Scotland Yard said knew the woman, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody. Police say they are not looking for any other people in connection with the stabbing.

Cops, who are trying to get in touch with the woman’s next of kin, have taped off the road while officers investigate.

Hours earlier a man was stabbed one mile away in Rainborough Close, and police say a link is “one line of enquiry”.

Police were called to the scene at 10.20pm and took the victim to hospital with injuries not said to be life-threatening.

No arrests have been made.

Another man was shot multiple times in Lawrence Avenue, Stonebridge, at about 8.30pm.

As a result, Stonebridge Police were given additional stop and search powers to “robustly police the ward and reassure the community” and Brent police said “extra officers” will be on patrol in the coming days.

Supt Tim Alexander said: “Overnight we found ourselves in the unusual position of having to deal with three violent incidents in our borough of Brent.

“I understand the community’s concerns regarding last night’s events, but I would like to reassure the people who live and work in Brent that we remain a safe and vibrant borough that rarely sees incidents of such violence.

“One of the incidents was sadly the killing of a young woman in the prime of her life.

“However, I would like to confirm we have a man in his 40s in custody and that we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this incident. I can also confirm the victim and the suspect were known to each other and that the crime happened inside a private residential property.

“Earlier in the evening, the borough also had a shooting and a stabbing within two hours of each other. Whilst this is of concern, I’d like to reiterate that my officers are working around the clock to identify, locate and apprehend those responsible.

“The community can expect to see extra officers on the streets of Brent over the coming days and I would urge anyone who has any concerns to feel free to approach them. Anyone who would rather speak to an officer in private can do so by calling Brent police via 101 or contact your local neighbourhood policing team.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonmyously on 0800 555 111.